Comparison of Dissolved Metal Constituents of Borehole and Well Water in Osogbo Metropolis

Introduction: Water is considered safe for consumption only if the dissolved particles are not hazardous to health. This study evaluated and compared the concentrations of certain metals in water from bore-holes and wells in Osogbo metropolis. Methods: A total number of 36 boreholes and 36 wells from six different geographical zones of Osogbo were used for this study. The concentrations of calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, selenium, cobalt, cadmium, chromium, lead and zinc were determined in them using atomic absorption spectrophotometry method.Results: Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and manganese, increased significantly (P<0.05) while the level of copper decreased significantly (P<0.05) in well-water when compared with bore hole-water. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) observed in the levels of iron and lead in well-water when compared with bore-hole water. Zinc, cadmium, chromium, selenium and cobalt were not detected in both water samples. Levels of Mg, Pb and Cu were higher in both well and bore hole waters of Osogbo metropolis when compared with the WHO standard for drinkable water.Conclusion: It could be concluded in this study that well water may contain more dissolved metals from the top soil. To avoid metal-induced toxicity, feasibility studies may be necessary to ensure that wells are not sited in areas where toxic materials have been deposited.Â

Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins Levels and Selected Trace Metals In Newly Diagnosed Hypertensive Nigerians

There have been several reports on the role of macronutrients in the pathogenesis of high blood pressure (HBP), however, reports on the relationship between micronutrients and trace metals are few, especially in blacks. This study aim to determine the serum levels of trace metals and correlate same with serum levels of lipoproteins (an established marker of HBP) in newly diagnosed hypertensives (NDH) A total of 50 NDH subjects (24 males and 26 females) attending Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo were randomly selected and recruited after obtaining their informed consent. 62 consenting healthy individuals (28 males and 34 females) were recruited from member of staff as controls. Fasting blood samples were collected from subjects and controls using appropriate techniques. Serum Total cholesterol (Tc), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were estimated using commercially available kit from Randox Laboratory. Trace metals (Selenium(Se), Zinc(Zn), Cobalt(Co) and Copper(Cu)) were analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data obtained were analyzed with the aid of SPSS statistical package version 18.0. Serum Tc and LDL-Chol were higher in subjects (5.69 ±1.40 and 3.85±0.94) mmol/l than in controls (4.53±1.30 and 2.56±1.38) mmol/l, p 0.05. Serum Tg were almost similar Preamong subjects and controls 1.40±0.21 vs 1.34±0.67mmol/l, p > 0.05. Reduced levels of Se and Zn were found in NDH (8.55±5.61, 70.44±28.48μg/dl) compared with controls (21.75±7.30, 120.15±25.76μg/dl), p < 0.05 respectively. On the contrary, elevated Co and Cu were found in NDH (4.78±2.30, 129.00±30.90μg/dl) compare with controls ( 3 . 1 0 ± 1 . 2 5 , 93.80±22.30μg/dl) p < 0.05 respectively. Strong positive correlations exist between Se and Zn, r = 0.805,

Serum levels of minerals and vitamins in two categories of female alopecia subjects using hair relaxer

Background: In an earlier study, we identified an association between hair relaxer-induced alopecia and decreased zinc levels. This study hopes to identify if age at first exposure to hair relaxer plays a role in the development of alopecia in the small percentage of women of African descent who use hair-relaxing products for hair-straightening purposes and develop lingering, nonresolving alopecia. Methods: Two categories of subjects were recruited for the study. These groups—Group A and Group B—commenced use of hair relaxer in the second and third or fourth decade of life, respectively. Group C which served as the control group consisted of women who had used relaxer but did not manifest alopecia. Renal and hepatic indices as well as micronutrient levels were estimated in serum samples taken from these subjects. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using Student t test, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: Of all the micronutrients, only zinc level was significantly decreased in the two categories of alopecia subjects compared with controls, and when the zinc levels of the two groups were compared, they were not significantly different. Age in association with an alteration in serum zinc status seemed to have played an independent or combined role as an etiologic factor in hair relaxer-induced alopecia in Group B subjects, as a positive correlation (r = 0.631; p = 0.012) was observed between age and duration of alopecia; alopecia also commenced much earlier in the course of hair relaxer application in Group B compared with Group A. Conclusion: This is probably an indication that early exposure may confer some forms of protection even in zinc-deficient individuals. Moreover, an assessment of serum zinc level in users of hair relaxer may be encouraged even before initial contact with this agent, such that women at risk could be advised to take zinc supplements

Effects of Methionine Containing Paracetamol Formulation on Serum Vitamins and Trace Elements in Male Rats

Methionine is an effective antidote in the treatment of paracetamol-induced toxicity but at large doses it has been reported to induce or aggravate a number of pathological conditions. It also alters plasma levels of many vital elements and molecules. This study was designed to identify if the alteration observed for antioxidant vitamins and minerals especially at sub-toxic and toxic levels of exposure in our earlier study of 24-hour exposure period may warrant trace elements supplementation. This was investigated by carrying out a 48-hour study to test the ability of a living organism to restore homeostasis of these vital molecules and elements. The levels of antioxidant minerals and vitamins were estimated in the serum samples obtained from adult male Wistar rats exposed to paracetamol tablets. At 100 mg\kg BW (body weight) vitamin A, niacin, riboflavin, selenium and manganese were not significantly different from the control group (p>0.05). Moreover at 350 mg\kg, all these indices except zinc were not significantly different in the exposed group compared with controls (p>0.05) whereas at 1000 mg\kg level of exposure manganese, selenium and vitamin E were not significantly decreased at the end of 48 hours of exposure but copper, niacin and vitamin A were significantly increased in the exposed group compared with the controls (p<0.05). These results suggest that with time the body may be capable of bringing about restoration of the levels of some of these elements\vitamins. This was more evident at 350 mg\kg level of exposure than a higher dose of 1000 mg\kg level