Antimalaria therapy and changes in oxidative stress indices in falciparum malaria infection in Calabar metropolis, Nigeria

Purpose: To assess the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total plasma peroxides (TPP), oxidative stress index (OSI) and random plasma glucose (RPG) in falciparum malaria infection with and without antimalaria therapy. Methods: Ninety subjects aged 18 to 60 years comprising 30 malaria patients without antimalaria therapy, 30 malaria patients on antimalarial therapy and 30 subjects without malaria (control) were studied. TAC, GSH, NO, MDA, TPP and RPG were determined using colorimetric methods, while parasite density (PD) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were computed. Anthropometric indices were obtained and the data analysed using analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation at p < 0.05. Results: Higher levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA, TPP and OSI), lower antioxidant (GSH and TAC) and NO were observed in malaria patients with or without antimalaria therapy when compared to their respective controls (p < 0.05). Malaria patients without antimalaria therapy had higher PD and lipid peroxidation (TPP and OSI) and RPG and antioxidants (lower GSH and TAC) than those on antimalaria therapy (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between PD and MDA (r = 0.399, p = 0.029) in malaria patients without antimalaria therapy, and between PD and TPP (r = 0.660, p = 0,002), and PD and OSI (r = 0.717, p = 0.000) in malaria patients on antimalaria therapy. Conclusion: Falciparum malaria infection is associated with increased lipid peroxidation, depressed antioxidants and nitric oxide which may be ameliorated by antimalaria therapy

Glycemic control, micronutrients and some metabolic enzyme activity in type 2 diabetes

Background: Alterations in the metabolism of some essential micronutrients and activities of some metabolic enzymes have been reported in diabetes mellitus. These changes have been attributed to hyperglycemia and increased protein glycosylation associated with diabetes and seems to be more pronounced in poor glycemic states. The influence of glycemic control on serum levels of calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), phosphorus (P), vitamin C, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and amylase activity in type 2 diabetes were determined in this study.Methods: Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), phosphorus (P), vitamin C, LDH and amylase activity were determined in fifty type 2 diabetic subjects aged between 40-70 years and fifty age matched apparently healthy non-diabetic subjects in Calabar, Nigeria using colorimetric methods. Socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric indices (body mass indices (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR)) and blood pressure were determined using standard methods. Data was analyzed using t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis at p = 0.05.Results: The FPG, HbA1c, serum vitamin C, Iron and calcium levels were significantly higher and serum phosphorus lower in diabetics than in non-diabetics. Diabetics with poor glycemic control (HbA1c >8.0%) have higher serum calcium and LDH activity compared to those with good glycemic control (HbA1c <8.0%).Conclusions: Diabetes may alter the metabolism of vitamin C, Iron, calcium and phosphorus while poor glycemic control may be associated with changes in calcium and LDH activity.

Chronic Exposure to Toluene and Heavy Metals and Changes in Indices of Liver Function, Inflammation and Oxidative DNA Damage among Automobile Workers

Background: Oxidative stress (OS), oxidative DNA damage and inflammatory response induced by chronic exposure to volatile organic compounds and heavy metals (HM) have been implicated in multiple organ dysfunction. The liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT)), biomarkers of OS (nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total plasma peroxides (TPP), malondialdehyde (MDA)) oxidative stress index (OSI)), oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)), and inflammation marker (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)); heavy metals (cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb)) and urine hippuric acid (uHA) levels were assessed in automobile workers. Methods: Fifty automobile workers and 50 controls aged 18-60 years were enrolled into this study. The MDA, GSH, NO, TAC, TPP, ALT, ALP and GGT were estimated by colorimetry, 8-OHdG and TNF-α by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, Cd, Pb by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and uHA by high performance liquid chromatography. Data were analyzed using t-test and correlation analysis at p <0.05. Results: Automobile workers had significantly higher liver enzymes, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, oxidative DNA damage, nitric oxide, HM, uHA and lower total antioxidants relative to controls. Heavy metals were positively associated with MDA, TPP and OSI; TPP with duration of exposure; ALP with number of working hours; and liver enzymes with OSI only in automobile workers. Conclusion: Association of exposure to toluene and heavy metals with increased liver enzymes activity, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, oxidative DNA damage, and depressed antioxidants in automobile workers suggest increased risk of hepatotoxicity and hepatocellular carcinogenesis

Adiponectin and cardiovascular risk factors in relation with glycemic control in type 2 diabetics

Background: Adiponectin has been associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in Type 2 diabetes, though the mechanism of association is still uncertain. The adiponectin levels and lipid profile in relation to glycemic control were investigated in type 2 diabetics.Methods: Forty two diabetic subjects (35-64 years) and 33 age-matched non-diabetic subjects were recruited into this case control study. Socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric indices and blood pressure were obtained. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein, (HDL), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were estimated using colorimetric methods, atherogenic index (AI) was calculated, while serum adiponectin was determined by ELISA method. Results: Adiponectin levels of type 2 diabetics were not significantly different from the non-diabetics studied (p>0.05).  Higher TG levels were observed in diabetics with poor glycemic control compared with those with good glycemic control (p0.05). Conclusion: Type 2 diabetics do not have lower adiponectin levels. Gender, duration of diabetes and glycemic control does not seem to exert any influence on adiponectin levels in type 2 diabetes. Adiponectin may be associated with reduced risk of atherosclerosis through its effects on HDL cholesterol metabolism.

Cement Dust Exposure and Perturbations in Some Elements and Lung and Liver Functions of Cement Factory Workers

Background. Cement dust inhalation is associated with deleterious health effects. The impact of cement dust exposure on the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), liver function, and some serum elements in workers and residents near cement factory were assessed. Methods. Two hundred and ten subjects (50 workers, 60 residents, and 100 controls) aged 18–60 years were studied. PEFR, liver function {aspartate and alanine transaminases (AST and ALT) and total and conjugated bilirubin (TB and CB)}, and serum elements {lead (Pb), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As)} were determined using peak flow meter, colorimetry, and atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. Data were analysed using ANOVA and correlation at p=0.05. Results. The ALT, TB, CB, Pb, As, Cd, Cr, Se, Mn, and Cu were significantly higher and PEFR, Fe, and Zn lower in workers and residents compared to controls (p<0.05). Higher levels of ALT, AST, and Fe and lower levels of Pb, Cd, Cr, Se, Mn, and Cu were seen in cement workers compared to residents (p<0.05). Negative correlation was observed between duration of exposure and PEFR (r=-0.416, p=0.016) in cement workers. Conclusions. Cement dust inhalation may be associated with alterations in serum elements levels and lung and liver functions while long term exposure lowers peak expiratory flow rate

Heavy metals, biomarkers of oxidative stress and changes in sperm function: A case-control study

Background: Heavy metal-induced oxidative stress has been implicated in abnormal sperm functions and male infertility. Objective: Serum and seminal levels of heavy metals and biomarkers of oxidative stress were compared in fertile and infertile men. Materials and Methods: A total of 130 men aged 20–60 yr comprising 30 azoospermic, 50 oligozoospermic, and 50 normozoospermic men were studied. Semen analysis was done by world health organization guidelines, biomarkers of oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total plasma peroxidase (TPP), oxidative stress index (OSI), vitamin C (vit C) and nitric oxide (NO)) and fructose by colorimetry and serum and seminal heavy metals (zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: Azoospermic and oligozoospermic men had higher serum and seminal peroxides (TPP, p = 0.00), higher serum heavy metals (Zn, Se, Pb, and Cd (p = 0.01)) and lower sperm concentration, %motility, serum and seminal antioxidants (vit C, TAC, NO, GSH (p = 0.01)) compared to normozoospermic men. Higher seminal peroxides (TPP, p = 0.001), heavy metals (Pb and Cd (p = 0.03)) and lower sperm concentration, %motility, and seminal antioxidants (TAC and NO (p = 0.00)) were also observed in azoospermic men compared to oligozoospermic men. Negative correlations were observed between seminal fructose and seminal vit C (r = -0.535, p = 0.015), GSH (r =-0.734, p = 0.000), NO (r = -0.714, p = 0.000), Zn (r = -0.774, p = 0.000) and Se (r = -0.719, p = 0.000) only in azoospermic men. Conclusion: Elevated heavy metal levels, increased lipid peroxidation and antioxidant depletion is associated with abnormal sperm functions in men studied. Key words: Heavy metals, Antioxidants, Lipid peroxidation, Oxidative stress, Sperm function

Element Content of Surface and Underground Water Sources around a Cement Factory Site in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Cement production is associated with heavy metal emissions and environmental pollution by cement dust. The degree of contamination of drinking water sources by major and trace elements present in cement dust generated by united cement factory (UNICEM) is still uncertain. This study estimated the element content of ground and surface water samples (hand-dug wells, boreholes and streams) around the factory site to determine the impact of cement dust exposure on the water levels of these elements. Methods: This study was conducted at UNICEM at Mfamosing, Akamkpa local government area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Drinking water samples (5 from each location) were collected from the cement factory quarry site camp, 3 surrounding communities and Calabar metropolis (45 km away from factory) serving as control. The lead (Pb), copper (Cu), manganes (Mn), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As) levels of samples were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and LSD post hoc at P = 0.05. Results: As and Pb content of samples from camp were above the WHO recommendations of 0.01mg/l and 0.01mg/l respectively. Chromium and cadmium content of all water samples were above and others below WHO recommendations. Water levels of Mn, Fe, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Ca and Si were significantly elevated (though below WHO recommendations) in camp than other locations (P<0.05). Conclusion: Production of cement results in As, Pb, Cr and cd contamination of drinking water sources near the factory. Treatment of all drinking water sources is recommended before public use to avert deleterious health consequences

Falciparum malaria associated changes in biochemical indices in children

Metabolic disturbances associated with fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and changes in the synthetic functions of the liver are common complications of malaria and are dependent on the degree of parasitemia. Packed cell volume (PCV), random blood glucose (RBG), total bilirubin (TB), total proteins (TP), albumin, serum electrolytes [sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), bicarbonate (HCO3-), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+)] and anion gap (AG) were determined in fifty children with malaria aged between 1-15 years and thirty age matched apparently healthy children without malaria, using colorimetric and flame photometric methods. Data was analyzed using t-test at p < 0.05. The PCV, RBG, Na+, Mg2+, AG and TP were significantly lower and Ca2+ and TB higher in children with malaria compared to children without malaria. The serum Na+, K+, AG, TP and albumin were significantly lower and Ca2+, HCO3- and TB higher in children with severe malaria compared to those with mild malaria. Malaria and high parasite density is associated with perturbations in homeostasis of proteins and electrolytes and these may be implicated in the deleterious consequences associated with malaria in children. [J Med Allied Sci 2017; 7(1.000): 29-33