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Objectives: The Plasmodium parasite is known for its ability to destabilize the red cell membrane causing the release of free haem which is converted to haemozoin as haem is toxic to parasite. In combination with other factors, accumulation of haemozoin is associated with anaemia which manifest in severe malaria. Compounds directed at preventing erythrocyte attack and increasing haem concentrations could serve as new sources of antimalarials. Therefore, this study assessed the ability of Phyllanthus (P.) amarus alkaloid extract, a phytochemical, already reported to possess antimalarial activity, in reducing erythrocyte deformity and preventing parasite multiplication by increasing haem concentrations. Methods: The study involved measurement of parasite clearance, changes in haematological indices and degree of erythrocyte membrane stabilization (using heat-induced and hypotonic-solution induced destabilization assays) in Plasmodium (P.) berghei infected mice treated with alkaloid extract of P. amarus using documented methods. Results: Infection of experimental mice with Plasmodium berghei, induced malaria with evidence of anaemia (reduced PCV and Hb), reduction in haematological indices (RBC, WBC, platelets, lymphocytes, and eosinophil), increased serum haemozoin and haem concentration and destabilization of erythrocyte membrane.

Aims: To determine the median lethal dose (LD50) of crude ethanolic leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus and evaluate its sub-chronic oral toxicity in experimental mice (BALB/C strain). Study Design: One-factor, one-control, one-test group experimental design. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, between December, 2014 and November, 2015. Methodology: Crude ethanolic leaf extract of P. amarus was prepared as previously described and twenty (20) Swiss albino mice (BALB/C strain) were randomly and equally divided into two (2) groups and administered 2000 mg/kg body weight (Group A) and 5000 mg/kg body weight (Group B) of the prepared extract as single oral dose in line with the limit dose method of determining LD50. For the sub-chronic oral toxicity study, ten (10) mice were assigned into control (n=5) and experimental (n=5). The control animals were given placebo-normal saline, but the experimental mice were administered with nocebo – 300 mg/kg body weight of P. amarus crude ethanolic extract for twenty one (21) days. Thereafter, the animals in each group were sacrificed and then, serum and liver homogenate were obtained for the assay of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and oxidative damage (Malondialdehyde-MDA) Using documented methods. Liver tissue was also processed for histopathological examination using H&E stain. Results: Data showed LD50 of the extract to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Assessment of the herb’s sub-chronic oral toxicity indicates that the leaf extract significantly (P=.03) enhanced total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in both serum (Control: TAC = 0.10±0.03 mM, Experimental: TAC = 0.33±0.05 mM) and liver (Control: TAC = 0.12±0.09 mM, Experimental: TAC = 0.34±0.06 mM) but reduced (P = .01) the biomarker for liver tissue damage (Control: MDA = 41.89±3.36 µM, Experimental: MDA = 4.67±4.04 µM). In addition, hepatic cells were invigorated by P. amarus treatment as suggested by the histopathological features. Conclusion: Collectively, P. amarus crude ethanolic leaf extract possesses high degree of tolerance and hepatic tonic potential with no identifiable toxic or side effects.

Oxidative stress is a key factor in malaria pathogenesis, particularly, malaria induced anaemia and pathological changes in some organs in the body. This research aimed at investigating the effect of Phyllanthus amarus seed extract (PASE), chloroquine (CLQ), and artesunate (ATS) used alone and co-administered with vitamin A, B, C, or E on oxidative stress in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. A total of eighty (80) adult albino male mice infected with P. berghei (NK 65 strain) were randomly allotted to 16 treatment groups, mice in another group (17th group) were uninfected; n = 5. Of the treatment groups, fifteen were administered sole generic antimalarials/PASE and combined vitamins A, B, C or E orally for 5 days. Biochemical assay for glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) were carried out on the serum. Assay for glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CA), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were carried out on homogenised liver and brain. Treatment with PASE, CLQ and ATS combined with vitamin A, B, or E respectively, demonstrated significant increase in the serum levels of GPx and GR concentration. Treatment with PASE/ATS alone and in combination with vitamin A, B, C, and E significantly increased the liver GPX, SOD, and CA levels with significant decrease in liver MDA levels. Treatment with PASE/CLQ alone and in combination with vitamin A, B, C, and E significantly increased the brain GPX, GR and SOD levels with significant decrease in brain MDA levels. PASE showed enhanced antioxidant capacity in plasmodiasis solely or combined with vitamins A, B and E. Furthermore the co-administration of generic agent like artesunate with vitamins A, B, and E enhanced the antimalarial activity and treatment outcome as shown by the antioxidant effects. However, co-administration with vitamin C may be counter-productive.

Objective: To assess the effects of hot water leaf extract of Nauclea latifolia (N. latifolia) on antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation values and parasite levels in hepatic and brain tissue of experimental mice (BALB/c) infected with Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) malaria. Methods: Forty nine mice were divided into seven groups (n = 7) and used for the study. Group A (control) were given 0.2 mL/kg phosphate buffer saline; Group B mice were infected with P. berghei and treated with phosphate buffer saline. Groups C and D mice were also infected but treated with 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight of leaf extract respectively. Groups E and F mice were not infected, but received 200 and 300 mg/kg of leaf extract respectively. Group G mice were infected and treated with chloroquine (5 mg/kg). Liver and brain tissues of mice were prepared for both biochemical assay and microscopic examination. Results: Results showed that P. berghei malaria infection induced oxidative stress in both liver and brain tissues as evidenced by the significant (P

Malaria remains one of the major causes of childhood mortality in many parts of the world, especially in the sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. Increasing chemotherapeutic failure and side effects of available antimalarial drugs have promoted the use of natural herbs for the treatment of malaria in Nigerian communities.To study the phytosuppression of P berghei by Nauclea latifolia and its effects on the indices of anaemia and pancreatic beta cell function in experimental mice.Fifty mice were divided into 10 groups (n=5) and used for the study. Group 1 (control) were uninfected but given placebo. Group 2 were infected with P berghei and treated with placebo. Groups 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10 received N. latifolia treatment, while Groups 6 and 7 received standard chloroquine treatment. Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 were however infected with the malarial parasite. Blood samples were collected by heart puncture and prepared for the estimation of haemoglobin, insulin and glucose. The pancreatic beta cell function (HOMA-beta) was determined using the fasting serum insulin and glucose levels as documented.P. berghei malaria infection caused a significant reduction in haemoglobin that led to anaemia in the mice, There were elevated HOMA-beta) in the parasitized and chloroquine treated groups, suggesting possible pancreatic beta cell dysfunction. Treatment with N. latifolia showed parasitaemia suppression and' improved pancreatic beta cell function and haemoglobin concentrations.N. latifolia contains bioactive phytochemicals that suppresses malaria parasite multiplication and improves pancreatic beta cell function.

Cigarette smoking could predispose an individual to a multitude of diseases which include metabolic syn- drome. This study evaluates the biomarkers (blood glucose, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile and blood pressure) of metabolic syndrome in serum of some cigarette smokers in Delta State. One hundred apparently healthy male undergradu- ate students divided into two groups (50 smokers and 50 non-smokers) were recruited for the study conducted between August, 2010 and April 2011. Body mass index (BMI), blood glucose, blood pressure parameters and serum lipid profile were determined using standard procedures. Results indicate that smokers' systolic (137.67±8.97mmHg) and diastolic (82.14±8.23mmHg) blood pressure measures were significantly (p 0.05). Lipid profil- ing reveals that smokers' HDL-cholesterol level (0.47±0.08mmol/L) was significantly lower than that of the non-smokers (0.72±0.09mmol/L) but both groups expressed comparable LDL-Cholesterol levels, although smokers' level (6.12±0.34mmol/L) is higher than the non-smokers' level (6.10±0.42mmol/L). The ratio of HDL: LDL-cholesterol (an in- dex of cardiovascular risk) is higher for non-smokers (0.12) compared with the smokers (0.08). Put together, results imply that smokers have higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the existence and prevalence of metabolic syndrome among smokers in Delta State, Nigeria, should be investigated and documented for public campaign and formu- lation of policies that could reduce cigarette smoking.

Free radicals have important roles in pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. It has been well documented that there is a link between oxidative stress and secondary complications of diabetes mellitus. However, humans are well endowed with antioxidant defences, primarily by free radical scavengers, such as Vitamins A, C, E and some trace elements. Deficiencies of these micronutrients may increase susceptibility to this disease and the associated complications. In this study, serum antioxidant vitamins (Vitamins A, C and E) were estimated in 50 Type 2 diabetic patients using standard procedures, and the results obtained were compared with those of apparently healthy, non-diabetic subjects of comparable age and social status. Serum glucose level of the diabetic subjects (11.47 ± 1.67 mmol/L) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the value obtained for the non-diabetic subjects (4.16 ± 0.46 mmol/L). Vitamin A (14.38 ± 7.59 µg/L), C (0.66 ± 0.17 mg/dl) and E (0.51 ± 0.19 mg/dl) concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in diabetic patients relative to the levels of Vitamin A (44.12 ± 11.79 µg/L), C (0.97 ± 0.23 mg/dl) and E (0.68 ± 0.13 mg/dl) in control subjects. About 30, 36 and 12% of the diabetic subjects had severe Vitamins A, C and E deficiencies, respectively. These deficiencies may be contributing factor to the complications of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The outcome of the inclusion of vitamin A, C and E supplements in the therapeutic regimen for Type 2 diabetics in Nigeria should be studied so that health care providers could be advised. Key words: Nigerians, antioxidants, vitamins, diabetics.

The use of petroleum samples as medicaments either due to poverty or ignorance is becoming a source of worry. Unfortunately, the elderly and children are most vulnerable. Crude petroleum is usually given to some children when they convulse as anticonvulsant. Incidentally, the liver is the site where most drugs and other ingested substances are metabolized and detoxified. It was based on this, that some liver function enzymes such as the transaminases and alkaline phosphatase activities were employed to assess the state of the liver in albino rats after exposure to crude petroleum (Bonny light). The rats were placed in four groups and were intraperitoneally administered 6.0, 12.0 and 30.0gkg -1 of crude petroleum (Bonny light) respectively, for 2 phase periods of 1and 2 months. .At the end of each period, rats were withdrawn from each group for analysis. The control rats were similarly treated with normal saline. Blood samples were taken for serum enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The results revealed significant increases in the activities of AST and ALP in rats exposed to crude petroleum in a dose-dependent manner, compared with control (P

Haematological and biochemical indices were used to monitor the toxicity of gasoline in albino rats.The rats were placed in four groups and were intraperitoneally administered 0.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 10.0g/kg of gasoline, respectively, for 2 phase periods of 1 and 2 months. At the end of each period, rats were withdrawn from each group for analysis. The control rats were similarly treated with normal saline. Blood samples were taken for analysis of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and white blood cell counts (WBC). Serum enzymes such as Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP). Glutathione-S- transferase (GST) and Glutathione (GSH) were equally monitored. There was significant reduction in Hb and PCV, particularly in group four rats, which received. 10gkg -1 gasoline compared with control and other (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in the number of white blood cells in the first month exposure to gasoline was recorded, especially in rats administered 10gkg-1gasoline. Substantial increase in the activities of liver enzymes - ALT, AST and ALP were observed in all the groups. However, GST increased marginally from first to second month in all the groups. Furthermore, there was consistent reduction in the level of GSH after the first dose in all the groups compared with control (P < 0.05). The study demonstrates that long term exposure of rats to gasoline could induce anaemia and liver damage.

Objective To study the gender differences in plasma glucose and uric acid levels caused by varying doses of alcohol. Materials and methods 64 (36 male and 28 female) healthy, light drinkers ( Results The administration of 0.325, 0.650 and 1,300 g ethanol/kg body weight, reduced plasma glucose by 2, 11 and 16% respectively, in males and by 1, 4 and 7% in female subjects, respectively. These doses respectively increased plasma uric acid by 6, 20 and 32% in males and by 14, 40 and 56% in females (p > 0.05: except for the 56% difference). Conclusions Although, these changes were not demonstrated to be statistically significant, sex is implicated to influence the manner alcohol affects the metabolism of glucose and uric acid. Recently, hypoglycaemia and hyperuricaemia have been observed to be risk factors of brain damage and cardiovascular disorders, respectively. The involvement of chronic and excessive consumption of ethanol in brain damage and cardiovascular dysfunction via disturbances in plasma glucose and uric acid levels, respectively, deserve further investigations.

Adequate nutrition has been reported to increase the frame size and birth weight of neonates at term. These anthropometric measures have been used to predict foetal growth and well-being. It has been observed that the amounts of maternal serum and cord blood glucose influence these anthropometric parameters. Therefore, this study reports the relationship between maternal age and some biochemical indices of foetal nutrition (maternal serum and cord blood glucose, and birth weight at term). Pregnant subjects between 15 and 45 years, and who were about to be delivered were selected from the Labour room, Central Hospital, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. Cases of complications and disease conditions were excluded. Weight and age-matched, non-pregnant women in apparent good health were randomly recruited as control subjects. The results show that younger (15-19years)

Objetivo. «Ozu» es el nombre del licor producido a partir del extracto de la palma, una bebida frecuentemente consumida en el territorio de Ika, en el delta de Nigeria. No existe informacion acerca de las consecuencias para la salud del consumo de ozu en el territorio de Ika. Este estudio pretende analizar el efecto del consumo de ozu sobre la presion arterial y el indice de masa corporal. Material y metodos. Se han incluido en el estudio 780 voluntarios sanos, varones. Todos los participantes en el estudio firmaron el consentimiento informado. Resultados. Los resultados del estudio muestran que el consumo excesivo de ozu induce a un incremento significativo de la presion arterial (presion diastolica, presion sistolica y presion arterial media) y de la frecuencia cardiaca en personas adultas (41-60 anos) en comparacion con personas del mismo rango de edad que no han consumido bebidas alcoholicas. El consumo elevado o excesivo de ozu reduce el indice de masa-corporal. Cerca del 6% de los consumidores de ozu entre los 41 y 60 anos de edad presentaban un peso menor al ideal, indicativo de un trastorno nutricional. Dentro de este rango de edad (41-60 anos), el 28, 35, 30 y 7% de los bebedores excesivos de ozu fueron catalogados, respectivamente, como normotensivos, pre-hipertensivos, hipertensivos estadio I e hipertensivos estadio II. Conclusiones. Se podria especular que el consumo excesivo de ozu pudiera acarrear complicaciones cardiovasculares y nutricionales. Sin embargo, son precisos posteriores estudios epidemiologicos, bioquimicos y post-mortem con el fin de documentar con precision los efectos del consumo de ozu. Ello es necesario con el fin de aconsejar, y posiblemente alertar, a la poblacion acerca de las consecuencias para la salud del que consume este licor.

Placental alkaline phosphatase, the heat-stable (hsALP) isoform is produced by the placenta and its activity has been associated with cord blood nutrients and proper foetal growth. Transplacental transmission of P.falciparum malaria has been reported and this has been observed to cause congenital malaria, anaemia and reduced neonatal birth weight, an evidence of poor growth. Changes in mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), an index of anaemia and hsALP act ivity in seru m of P.falciparum malarial infected pregnant women were therefore investigated. Forty (40) pregnant wo men (20 infected with P.falciparum and 20 uninfected) were selected fro m Abraka in Delta State, Nigeria. M CHC and hsALP were estimated as previously described. Results show that Malaria infection during pregnancy reduced MCHC value (34.55±2.29 g/dL) but increased hsALP activ ity value (96.10±12.39 IU/ L) when co mpared with the value fro m the uninfected pregnant women (M CHC=38.97±2.26 g/dL; hsALP=66.80±7.59 IU/ L). The age of subjects and gestational period did not significantly alter the trend of the observed data. Experimental informat ion suggests that malarial infection during pregnancy induces a measure of microcytic anaemia as judged by the MCHC value, and a degree of compro mise in placental (membrane) integrity as evidenced by the elevated serum activit ies of hsALP. hsALP and nutrient levels in umbilical cord blood should be further studied and results correlated with neonatal birth weight in order to strengthen the present observation and improve the understanding of placental functions during malarial infection in p regnancy. Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans caused by eukaryotic protists of the genus Plasmodium. In humans, malarial infection is usually caused by Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium vivax and the rare Plasmodium knowlesi. P. falciparum has been shown to be the common cause of the malarial in fection and is responsible for about eighty percent (80%) of all malarial cases and ninety percent (90%) of the deaths arising from malaria (1). The majority of deaths are among young children (1-5 years) in sub-Saharan African (2). Malarial infection is known to d isturb several metabolic and cellular activit ies. Increased activities of liver enzy me in seru m o f affect ed pat ients have b een observ ed among Nigerians(3). Th is observat ion was att ributed to hepat ic dam age by perhaps the exo erythrocytic form of P. falcipa ru m wh ich inhab its t he liver. The parasit es also destroy red blood cells and induces anaemia as previously

This study was undertaken to assess the effect of artemisin-based combination therapy (ACT) on serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Eighty (80) consenting patients infected with P. falciparum malaria (40 receiving ACT and 40 yet to be treated) and 40 uninfected individuals in apparent good health were selected. Serum total antioxidant capacity was determined by the trolox equivalent method as earlier described. Results show that P. falciparum malarial infection signifi- cantly reduced (p < 0.05) serum TAC (1.25±0.11mM) when compared with values obtained from the uninfected, healthy subjects (1.76±0.09mM) and the infected patients receiving ACT (1.57±0.13Mm). ACT treatment enhanced serum TAC by 25.6% in comparison with the value obtained from malarial infected patients yet to receive treatment. Thus, treatment of P. falciparum malarial infection with ACT significantly (p

This study reports the effect of cigarette smoking on serum and salivary α -amylase activities of some con- senting Nigerian male smokers (20) in apparent good health and between 30 to 70 years. Age and sex-matched non-smokers (20) were included as control subjects. Alpha amylase activity was assayed using standard colorimetric method. Results obtained show that the mean α -amylase activity in serum and saliva were significantly higher (P

A total of seventy (70) consenting subjects were recruited for this study. The subjects consist of fifty (50) hypertensive subjects yet to receive treatment and twenty (20) normotensive (control) subjects. Subjects' blood pressure values were measured and serum was obtained from the whole blood collected by vene puncture using centrifugation technique. Serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were determined by established procedures using commercial kit reagents. Results show that the mean serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium levels for hypertensive patients were 1.98 +/- 0.22 mmol/L, 1.65 +/- 0.42 mmol/L and 0.88 +/- 0.20 mmol/L as against 2.11 +/- 0.10 mmol/L, 1.50 +/- 0.12 mmol/L and 0.96 +/- 0.05 mmol/L for normotensive subjects. Fifty-four (54) percent and twelve (12) percent of the hypertensives had reduced calcium and magnesium levels respectively, but none for the normotensive subjects. Fifty-eight (58) percent of the hypertensive patients and forty-five (45) percent of the normotensives had elevated serum phosphorus levels, but no subject was hypophophataemic. Hypertension reduced serum calcium (P0.05) and magnesium (P0.05) levels among hypertensives in the south-south area of Nigeria. These micronutrients are therefore implicated in the progression of hypertension. These micronutrients are therefore implicated in the progression of hypertension. The effects of antihypertensive drugs and/or micronutrients' supplementation on blood pressure and serum calcium, phosphorous and magnesium levels in our study area should be further investigated. This is important because beneficial adjunct to the available modalities in the treatment of hypertension especially in Nigeria could be identified.

Cigarette smoke has been reported to contain free radicals. The interaction of these free radicals with the body defense system and associated health risk among Nigerian smokers have remained scarcely investigated despite the high numbers of smokers in our society. This study thus, investigates the serum total antioxidant capacity of some Nigerian cigarette smokers in apparent good health and who have been smoking between 1.4 sticks of cigarette/day for about 1-3 years. Twenty(20) consenting smokers between 19 and 45 years consisting of fifteen (15) males and 5 females were recruited after examination to certify their apparent good health. Twenty (20) non-smokers, who were matched in age and sex were included as control subjects. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was observed to be higher in male non-smokers (1.92 +/- 0.2 2mM) when compared with their female counterparts (1.88 +/- 0.16 mM). Among smokers, the males subjects showed a decreased TAC (Male: 1.45 +/- 0.23 mM and female; 1.65 +/- 0.16 mM) with a strong statistical difference between the TAC of smokers and non-smokers (t = 2.095, n = 20 and P0.05). Data suggest lower oxidant defense and hence, increased susceptibility to free radical associated diseases especially among the male smokers. Conserted efforts need to be made by governmental agents to enforce legislation that could reduce the rate of smoking. Campaigns should also be initiated to educate the lay public on the dangers of cigarette smoking.

Twelve adult albino rabbits with an average weight of 1.42kg were purchased and divided equally into the normal saline, ethanol and ethanol+fructose-treated groups. The ethanol-treated group orally received 1.5g (40%) ethanol/kg body weight as single daily dose, while the ethanol +fructose-treated animals also received the same ethanol dose, but were given in addition, 0.25gfructose/kg body weight after about 10 min of the ethanol administration. The normal saline-treated rabbits were given the equivalent amount of normal saline in lieu of ethanol. The animals were exposed to these various treatments along with their usual feeding pattern for a regular period of 15 weeks. Results showed that the progressive increase (P 0.05) but decreased (P Tanzania Journal of Science Vol. 31 (2) 2005: pp. 5-12

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is haloalkane that possesses a hepatotoxic effect. Material and Methods: The impact of anthocyanin fractions obtained from Hibiscus rosasinensis petal on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) – induced acute liver damage in wistar rats was studied using a combination of alanine transferase (ALT) activity value and liver: body weight gain ratio as indices. Results: CCl4 treatment significantly increased both ALT value and the liver: body weight gain ratio at the 1% probability level when compared with the control values. Conclusion: Pre-treatment with the anthocyanin fractions reduced the levels of these markers and hence, the degree of liver damage, though with varying potentials. The lead precipitated, non – slimy red fraction possessed the greatest protective property on the rat liver when compared with the other anthocyanin fractions so tested. Keywords : Anthocyanin, carbon tetrachloride, alanine transferase, Hibiscus rosasinensis , liver damage. Sudan Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 3 (1) 2008: pp. 33-36

The incidence of venous thromboembolism, coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke have been reported as possible metabolic side effects of monophasic oral contraceptive pills (OCP). These OCP associated disease conditions may be secondary to the abnormal increases in blood lipids and glucose. Recently, increase in plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) and glucose levels have been suggested to be the two most important biochemical features of insulin resistance. This study investigates the effect of monophasic combined OCP on plasma lipids and glucose levels. One hundred and twenty-nine (129) non-smoking women in apparent good health with no personal or familial history of CHD, stroke or cancer were choosen. The consenting women were randomly selected from family planning clinics. They were between 25-40 years and 65-80 kg. The subjects have been using the monophasic brand of COCP for 6-18 months and were still taking the pills at the time the investigation was conducted. The COCP users were separated on the basis of COCP continuous intake, into two groups; 6-12 months and then 13-18 months. Age-and weight-matched control group consisting of 56 apparently healthy women taking a non-hormonal form of contraceptive were included. Fasting blood data reveal that after about 18 months of continuous intake of monophasic COCP, significant increase in plasma TAG (p 0.05) were observed when compared with the control values. This trend of change induced by monophasic COCP among some Nigerian users suggest higher insulin resistance risk. However, observations at longer and abstinence periods should be made in order to generate sufficient data needed to establish convincing evidence among Nigerian users. Keywords : Insulin resistance, Oral contraceptives, Triacylglycerol, Lipids, Glucose. Egyptian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Vol. 26 (1) 2008 pp. 23-30

Objective:. To assess the level of regard and misconceptions of modern family planning methods in Abraka communities. Methods: The interviewer\'s administered questionnaire method was used to gather the required information from 657 respondents randomly chosen from PO, Ajalomi, Erho, Oria, Otorho, Umeghe, Urhuoka and Uruagbesa communities in Abraka kingdom. Results: Results show that 75.3% of those interviewed were aware of modern family planning but only 42.9% were using it to plan their families. Those using condom, safe periods and withdrawal constitute 32.6% of the 42.9% figure. Thus, data indicate a fairly high degree of awareness but little regard for family planning. Conclusion: Campaigns should be organized in order to educate Abraka communities on the benefits and need for family planning. Government should provide quality, comprehensive and subsidized family planning services. In addition, research efforts should be intensified on how to take advantage of the traditional methods of family planning to systematically introduce the modern method, so as to gradually eliminate the associated bias and misconceptions associated with modern methods of family planning. Keywords : Abraka, Family planning, Questionnaire, Respondents, Condom, Safe periods. East African Journal of Public Health Vol. 5 (1) 2008 pp. 10-12

Syndrome X is biochemically characterized by impaired glucose tolerance, hypertriacylglycerolemia, altered HDL-cholesterol content and high blood pressure. In different isolated studies, alcohol and fructose have been observed to increase the risk of Syndrome X. However, several reports have recognized the potential of fructose in stimulating the elimination of alcohol from the bloodstream, but the effects of such an anti-intoxicating property of fructose on the biochemical features of Syndrome X have remained scarce. Thus, in this study, oral fructose was used to increase the metabolism of alcohol and the associated changes in blood glucose, triacylglycerol, lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure were measured and used to classify subjects into the Syndrome X risk category. One gram of fructose/kg body weight was used to ‘treat’ the intoxication caused by 1.0 g (20%) ethanol/kg body weight administered to forty-five consenting male subjects in apparently good health. The subjects were light alcohol drinkers (

Food shortages and nutritional deficiencies are not uncommon in most developing nations including Nigeria, and these appear to be worsen by cultural food prejudice, practices, taboos and beliefs. Common food taboos affect the nutrient (especially protein) intake by children and so, suffer most. Food taboos should be discouraged because there are no sound justifications for such cultural practices, and children should be allowed to have adequate nutrition for the maintenance of health, growth, and proper development. The lay public should be educated in order to persuade them to have changing attitudes that will enhance children’s adequate nutrition and keep them healthy “today” for “tomorrow’s” hope. &nbsp

No Abstract. Keywords : ‘Ozu\', Ika, Intoxication, Palm juice The East and Central Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Vol. 8 (3) 2007: pp.

Oral fructose administration has been demonstrated to stimulate the oxidation of alcohol. However, its influence on alcohol-induced hyperuricemia is yet to be documented. This study therefore, reports the effect of fructose on alcohol- induced increase in plasma urate in adult albino rabbits. Twelve male adult albino rabbits, divided into A, B and C experimental groups were purchased from Yoha Farms, Warri, Delta State. Group A, the control animals (n=4) were given normal saline, while Group B animals (n=4) orally received 1.5 g (40%) ethanol/kg body weight as single daily dose for a routine period of fifteen weeks. Group C rabbits (n=4) were treated in a similar manner but 0.25 g fructose/kg body weight was usually given after about 10 min of administering the ethanol dose. The results obtained show that ethanol administration significantly increased (P

Plasma thiocyanate has been reported to be high among cassava-eating populations such as that in Nigeria because of the cyanide content of cassava. Thiocyanate, which is secreted into the stomach contents of animals, has been demonstrated to catalyse the formation of nitrosamines (potent carcinogens) in the stomach from secondary amines and nitrite. The main source of the nitrite precursor in this environment is vegetables, primarily eaten as the chief supplier of proteins. The present study attempts to analyse the levels of nitrate and nitrite in vegetables commonly grown and consumed in Delta State, Nigeria. The nitrate and nitrite contents in green vegetable (Amaranthus spp.), bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), pumpkin (Telfaria occidentalis) and water leaf (Talinum triangulare) grown in different localities of the state were determined by standard analytical procedures. The results show that those vegetables grown in the industrialised urban centres of the state had higher nitrate (223 (sd 71) mg/kg dry weight; PP>0·05) levels when compared with the same species (188 (sd 77) mg nitrate/kg dry weight and 10·9 (sd 1·1) mg nitrite/kg dry weight) cultivated in less industrialised suburbs. We conclude that frequent consumption of such vegetables whose nitrate and nitrite contents are high by cassava-eating individuals might put them at risk of developing stomach cancer and other possible results of nitrate and/or nitrite toxicity. In order to avoid an outbreak in our communities, appropriate agencies should monitor and regulate the release of chemicals into the environment. In the meantime, the cultivation and consumption of vegetables grown in industrialised areas of the state should be discouraged.

In order to investigate the prevalence of anaemia and related haematological disorders, fifty-seven Nigerian children with Burkitt's Lymphoma, (BL) between the ages of 4-14 years were randomly selected from the paediatric Ward, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria and Kaduna. Twenty-eight age-matched children in apparent good health were included as control subjects. Results show that BL patients had significant (p Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 10(3) 2006: 167-170

The concentration of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) and complement (C3 and C4) were measured in fifty-seven (57) Nigerian children with Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), and in twenty-eight (28) apparently healthy control subjects, using the single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) technique. The sera analyzed were obtained from the four clinical stages of BL. There were high titres of IgA (stage I: n=22; 667.27 ± 509.16; stage II:n=11; 616.82 ± 408.55; stage III: n=20; 695.65 ± 699.93 and stage IV: n=4, 485.75 ± 289.90); IgG (stage I: n=22, 260.59 ± 232.56; stage II:n=11 195.18 ± 102.86;stage III:n=20, 309.65 ± 276.43; stage IV:n=4, 244.85 ± 400.107). IgM (stage I:n=22, 253.55 ± 104.99, stage:II n=11, 217.82 ± 77.8; stage III:n=20, 419.20 ± 74.21, stage IV:n=4, 233.35 ± 108.84). These values are significantly higher (P Keywords : immunoglobulin, Burkitt's lymphoma, Nigeria Biokemistri Vol. 17(2) 2005: 193-197

The effect of some processing techniques (germination boiling and dehulling) on the soluble sugar contents and the emulsion property of processed flour were studied. Results show that germination significantly reduced the raffinose level from the third to the fifth day sprouting period (P 0.05). The contents of other soluble sugars-galactose, glucose and sucrose were increased by germination (P 0.05) but reduced by dehulling (P>0.05). Germination, dehulling and boiling lowered the emulsion stability property of cowpea flour. Even though, it is not conventional to either malt or dehull cowpea seeds before cooking, individuals should be advised to do so, in order to minimize the flatus potential and the accompanied discomfort associated with beans consumption. However, such processing techniques would not be appropriate for foods that need good emulsion. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 9(2) 2005: 65-72

Reports on the influence of fructose on blood alcohol clearance have not always been consistent. Notwithstanding, information concerning the Nigerian population is yet to be documented. In this present study, ten consenting adults in apparent sound health, and who did not have any traceable history of alcohol or drug abuse were selected. The subjects were non-smoking Nigerians with an average age of 23.3 years and body weight of 55 kg, and were matched in body frame size and weight. The volunteers were given 0.55g (20%) ethanol/kg body weight as single dose about 4 hours after their breakfast meal, and on another occasion, 0.25g fructose/kg body weight was used to sober the intoxicating effect produced by 0.55g (20%) ethanol/kg body weight. In each case, the blood alcohol level (BAL) was determined every 30 minutes using about 0.5 ml whole blood obtained by venipuncture. The mean peak BAL obtained for the male and female subjects (0.093% vs 0.096%) imply that the women were more intoxicated, though for a shorter time (314 minutes vs 280 minutes). This investigation also demonstrates that the group of women cleared blood alcohol faster (0.026%/hr) and oxidized blood alcohol more rapidly (115.8 mg/kg/hr) than the men, who respectively recorded mean values of 0.021%/hr and 102 mg/kg/hr. However, among the male and female volunteers, oral fructose intake significantly (p0.05) increased the blood ethanol clearance rate by 66.7 and 92.3%, decreased intoxication time by 41.7 and 40%, reduced peak BAL by 18.3 and 0%, but enhanced blood ethanol oxidation rate by 71.2 and 66.7%, respectively. The oxidokinetic data obtained suggest that Nigerian women may be more susceptible to alcohol's effects than Nigerian men, and oral fructose seems promising in the treatment of Nigerian alcoholics.

The effect of Nigerian citrus (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) honey on ethanol metabolism was tested using 45 consenting individuals in apparent good health and between the ages of 25 and 35 years. The subjects were moderate social drinkers matched in terms of body weight and build. The results obtained showed that on average, honey significantly (p0.05) increased the blood ethanol clearance rate by 68% and decreased the intoxication period by 43%, but insignificantly (p0.05) reduced the degree of intoxication by 9%. Honey could be a promising anti-intoxicating agent, but its long-term biochemical evaluation, possibly as a complement in the management of alcohol intoxication, deserves further study.

The effect of honey on blood alcohol metabolism and the accompanying changes in serum triacylglycerol and blood pressure were investigated using volunteers. Fifty consenting undergraduates in apparent good health, between the ages of 15 and 30 years (23.6 ± 7.4), were recruited for the study. The subjects were moderate alcohol drinkers (

Changes in blood pressure (BP) and plasma urate produced by the bio-transformation of a moderate dose (0.75ml(20%) ethanol/kg body weight) of alcohol were determined after 1h, 6h (oxidation phase) and 12h (post oxidation phase) of consuming the alcohol dose. Twenty healthy Nigerians (ten males and ten females) were randomly selected for the study after their informed consent. Statistical analyses of the results using ANOVA showed a significant decrease (p Key Words: Blood pressure, plasma urate, hypertension, alcohol. Global Jnl Medical Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 157-160