Red blood cell susceptibility to oxidants in chronic cigarette smokers

ABSTRACT Smoking is an important preventable cause of mortality worldwide and has been implicated as a significant risk factor for the establishment and progression of several diseases. It has been argued that the increased production of reactive oxygen species associated with smoking may exceed the capacity of the oxidant defense system, resulting in oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible relationship between cigarette smoking and red cell destruction due to oxidative damage. Hundred (100) subjects were randomly chosen from a population of males (22 -38 years) within the Osogbo, Osun State metropolis. Blood samples were collected and drawn into an anticoagulated bottle with the aid of a 5ml sterile disposable syringe from one of the prominent veins of the cubital fossa of each of the subjects and used immediately for analysis. To understand the status of oxidative damage, we measured the level of lipid peroxidation using the malondialdehyde (MDA) method, activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the plasma of both smokers and non smokers were also investigated. To establish a possible relationship between cigarette smoking and red blood cell destruction, the reticulocyte counts, haematocrit and total bilirubin levels of smokers and nonsmokers was examined. MDA levels were significantly higher in the plasma of smokers. Activities of GPx and the level of GSH where markedly decreased in smokers when compared with the control group. There was also a significant increase in the total bilirubin levels and the reticulocyte count values of smokers when compared with those of the non smokers. Haematocrit values were slightly increased in smokers when compared with control. The present study thus concluded that an increased oxidative burden decreases the function of the antioxidant systems which can in a long run ultimately lead to red blood cell haemolysis

Efficacy of Quasi Agro Binding Fibre on the Hybrid Composite Used in Advance Application

The choice for natural fibre obtained from agricultural products is on the rise due to its solution to eco-friendly, environmental and improved mechanical properties concerns. Its abundant availability, low cost, emission reduction and adaptability to base material for composite make it a prime material for selection. This review explores diverse perspectives to the future trend of agro fibre in terms of the thermo-mechanical properties as it applies to advanced application in building structures. It is important to investigate the ecofriendliness of the products of composites from fibres in agricultural wastes so as to achieve a green and sustainable environment. This will come to fore by the combined efforts of both researchers and feedback from building stakeholders

Macroinvertebrate community of a post lindane treated stream flowing through derived savannah in southern Nigeria

The study of Macroinvertebrate community of the Edion River was carried out from January to June 2007. Water and benthic samples were collected from three stations monthly and fortnightly respectively. The physico-chemical characteristics include pH (7.05 - 7.98), dissolved Oxygen (DO) (2.50 - 6.67mgl-1), biological Oxygen demand BOD5 (1.10 - 4.80mgl-1), Alkalinity (12.20 - 73.20mgl-1) and Turbidity (0.01 - 1.19NTU). The values recorded were found to be within the range of tropical freshwaters. A total of 43 taxa comprising of 532 individuals, were collected from the study area. Of the total number of individuals recorded, stations 1, 2 and 3 had 207, 190 and 136 respectively. The dominant orders were Diptera (40.15%) and Ephemeroptera (36.96%). The diversity of macrobenthic invertebrates varied at the stations, with taxa richness highest at station 1 (index, 5.63) and lowest at station 2 (2.67). Water temperature was significantly correlated with dissolved Oxygen and Odonata, while pH was positively correlated (p>0.05, r = 0.5) with most of the parameters. All the parameters except water level and the macrobenthic invertebrate did not show any significant difference (P>0.05) at the study stations. The low relative abundance of the species may be attributed to the impact of human activities along the river catchment area.Keywords: Macroinvertebrates, dominant, taxa, physicochemical parameters, inland water, Nigeria

Implications of pesticide usage in Nigeria

The occurrence of pesticides in our environment as a result of the indiscriminate or intentional use has resulted in its persistence in the environment, thereby affecting the ecosystems and non target organisms. Acute and chronic pesticide poisoning usually results from consumption of contaminated food, chemical accident in industries and occupational exposure in agriculture. About 15,000 metric tons of pesticides comprising about 135 pesticide chemicals are imported annually into the country. They are the major causes of cancer, cardiovascular disease, dermatitis, birth defects, morbidity, impaired immune function, neurobehavioral disorder and allergy sensitization reaction. In Nigeria, food test carried out on 217 different food items revealed the presence of DDT, Aldrin and Dieldrin to be above maximum allowable concentration level which ranged from 1.2-2160μg kg-1. The detection of these pesticides in soil, drinking water and other animals is of great interest. The failure to establish data-base from past incidents in order to avert future occurrences has posed a huge problem to the society at large. The need for epidemiological data collection from past exposure, development of less toxic pesticides and legal requirement regarding toxicological and ecological effect before the importation of pesticides into the country will further reduce the impact of toxic pesticides on human health in the country.Key words: Pesticides, Environment, Health, Pollution, Nigeria