Prevalence Of Hypertension And Associated Variables In PaidWorkers In Ilorin, Nigeria

The enormous burden of hypertension worldwide and in Africa, informed the decision to measure the blood pressure pattern in salaried workers in Ilorin,Nigeria.These were selected, as they resemble closely those that are likely to be affected bywestern style living. It was a cross-sectional study that involved staff of both government and a private organisation in Ilorin, Nigeria. Two hundred and eighty one subjects, comprising of 211 males and 70 females were recruited into the study. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG)were determined. The prevalence of hypertension was 27.1% in the population, being 28.4% in males and 22.9% in females. Mean SBP and DBP were significantly higher in females (SBP; 139.59mmHg ± 20.84, DBP; 86.92mmHg ± 10.96) than inmales (SBP; 127.39mmHg ± 19.55,DBP; 82.16mmHg). P< 0.05.The prevalence of hypertension increasedwith age and BMI.Age was correlated to SBP, (r = 0.355, P< 0.01)DBP, (r = 0.322, P < 0.01) and BMI (r = 0.143, P < 0.05). Obesity prevalence was 13.2% consisting of males (5.3%) and females (7.8%). Prevalence of diabetesmellituswas similar in both sexes at 1.5%. There is a high prevalence of hypertension among salary earners in Ilorin, Nigeria and this is commoner among males. The degree of increase in BP is worse in female workers. Obesity is on the upward climb in our society and should be addressed early in order to curtail its associatedmorbidities. Keywords: Hypertension, Paid Workers,Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol. 11 (4) 2008: pp. 342-34

Medical students' perception of their learning environment at a Nigerian University

Background: The medical learning environment is an interactive network of factors that affect the medical student's academic progress and learning outcomes.This study was designed to assess the overall student's  perception of their learning environment, identify the weak aspects of the environment, determine the effects of age, gender year of study on  student's perception and recommend measures to further enhance students' learning experiences.Method: This is a cross-sectional study and cluster sampling technique was used to recruit respondents. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire was applied to medical students of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, to assess the following areas; student's perception of learning, student's perception of course organizers, student's academic selfperception, student's perception of atmosphere, and student's social self-perception. Completed questionnaires were analyzed with the SPSS software, version 17.Results: 180 questionnaires were analyzed. The mean global score was 120.4/200 (60.2%).It was noted to be significantly higher in the second year of study than in the fifth year of study. Further analysis of the subdomain revealed that students in their second year of study had significantly higher scores in all the subdomains except in the academic self-perception. Analysis of the individual items in the DREEM questionnaire showed that the students perceived the environment as not being relaxed during lectures, and that there was poor support system for students that get stressed in their course of study.Conclusion: Students' perception of their educational environment was  positive but there was poor support system for students who get stressed. The school management needs to work on some aspects of social factors to improve on the perception and quality of teaching and learning.Key words: Medical, Students, Perception, Learning, Environmen

Increased central adiposity may not underlie the marked elevation of IL-6 in Diabetes Mellitus patients in South-West Nigeria

Background: Chronic inflammation is linked to disorders of obesity, insulin resistance and DM2. This reflects as increase in proinflammatory cytokines including IL-6. In Nigeria, there is no study that has measured IL-6 in diabetics, in spite of having the highest number of diabetics in Africa. Methods: The twenty-eight DM2 patients and 13 controls recruited for this study had their BP, BMI, waist circumference (WC) and waist-hip-ratio (WHR) measured. They also had fasting plasma IL-6, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (Tg), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), urea, creatinine, aspartate transaminases (AST), alanine transferases (ALT), total protein (TP) and albumin determined. Results: Mean age was 51.83 years ± 13.28, with diabetics significantly older than controls (56.61yrs. ±9.62 vs. 41.54 years ± 14.53) P < 0.05. The mean IL-6 in diabetics (194.77pg/ml ± 166.16) was significantly higher than controls’ (26.29pg/ml ± 6.65) at p < 0.01. No significant difference in mean BMI in diabetics and controls. But WC and WHR of diabetics (100.75cm ± 18.47; 1.01 ± 0.14) were significant higher than in controls (88.77cm ± 13.36; 0.88 ± 0.07) at p < 0.05 (WC; p value 0.043) and p < 0.01(WHR; p value 0.002). Among diabetics, there were significant correlations between IL-6 and Tg (p<0.01, r = 0.007**), IL-6 and LDL-C (p<0.05, r = 0.028*), IL-6 and AST (p<0.05, r = 0.041*) and IL-6 and ALT (p<0.01, r = 0.004**) Conclusion: Elevated IL-6 in DM2 patients in South West Nigeria correlates with liver transaminases and not increased markers of central adiposity

Oxidative stress parameters as markers of the different trimesters in normal pregnancy

Pregnancy has been associated with changes in physiologic and metabolic functions accompanied by a high metabolic demand and elevated requirements for tissue oxygen with eventual increase in oxidative pressure on the antioxidant defence system of the body. Thus, it was based on this premise that some markers of pro-oxidant- antioxidant status of pregnancy compared with non-pregnant state were assessed including, marker of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidise (GPx). A total of 41 apparently healthy female volunteers were used for this study made up of 36 pregnant females at different trimester of pregnancy, categorised into three (3) groups of 12 each per trimester, and whose ages ranged between 19 years and 40 years. Standard biochemical assays were employed in the assessment of these markers. The level of lipid peroxidation (MDA) increased progressively for the pregnant subjects (p&lt;0.05) at the third trimester (18.2mmole/ml) compared to the non-pregnant controls (2.3mmole/ml); an increase in SOD activity was also observed (p&lt;0.05) at the third trimester (8.9U/ml) compared to the control (6.3U/ml) contrary to some other researches; while decrease in CAT (9.2U/ml) and GPx (7.8U/ml) activities at the third trimester compared to the non-pregnant control (p&lt;0.05) (307.5U/ml and 9.4U/ml, respectively) were also observed. There was an observed increase in the body mass index, BMI, from first trimester, 26.4kg/m2 and second trimester, 38.4 kg/m2 to the third trimester, 42.7 kg/m2, compared to the control, 33.7 kg/m2 supporting the claims that pathologic conditions associated with pregnancy become more prominent with increase in BMI. Thus, these biochemical markers of oxidative stress, viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) can serve as markers to assess the stages of pregnancy and also can be used to differentiate pathologic and nonpathologic pregnant conditions.Keywords: Antioxidants; Pregnancy; Pro-oxidants; Trimesters; Free radicals; Body mass inde

Influence of Spent-Engine Oil on Hematology, Renal and Liver Status of Auto- Mechanics of Benin-City, Nigeria

This study was aimed at assessing the effects of spent engine oil on hematological parameters, renal and liver status of auto-mechanics. A questionnaire was design and blood sample was collected from both auto-mechanics and non-mechanics. The response from the questionnaire indicated complaints of pains around thoracic region, skin rashes etc; unawareness of the detrimental contents of spent engine oil; poor precautionary and sanitary practices. Assessment of renal status indicated that plasma urea and   creatinine levels for auto-mechanics (18mg/dl and 0.81mg/dl, respectively) were significantly higher  compared to  non-mechanics (16mg/dl and 0.68mg/dl, respectively). Haematological profile of the  auto-mechanics compared to non-automechanics showed that packed cell volume increased significantly  (41%) for auto-mechanics compared to non-automechanics (39%); haemoglobin concentration increased significantly (14.3g/dl compared to 13g/dl); and neutrophils increased significantly (34% compared to 26%). Though, lymphocytes increased (65.9%) compared (65.5%, for  non-automechanics), this was not significant (p=0.850). Neutrophils (p&lt;0.05) and lymphocytes (p=0.850) increased for the automechanics (33.5% and 65.9%, respectively) compared to the non-automechanics (26.4% and 65.5%,   respectively). Alkaline phosphatase activity increased (19.7U/l) compared to (16.6U/l,   non-automechanics); while aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase significantly decreased   (13.4U/l and 7.4U/l, respectively) compared to (9.7U/l and 4.8U/l, respectively). Thus, the uses of   hygienic protective practices are encouraged like the use of face and nose mask, and auto-mechanics are encouraged to go for regular medical check-up.Keyword: Auto-mechanics; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); Spent engine oil;  Questionnaire

Isolation and Elucidation of 15-Acetylguanacone from Soursop (Annona muricata Linn) Fruit and Molecular Docking Experiments

Annona muricata (Soursop) has attracted attention due to its content of annonaceous acetogenins, a large family of naturally occurring polyketides isolated from various species of the genus Annonaceae. The ethyl acetate fraction of Annona muricata was subjected to standard isolation protocol-gradient and isocratic silica gel column chromatography- to obtain three waxy and whitish amorphous compounds, 002/A1, 002/A2 and 002/C. The structure of compound 200/A2 was elucidated using 1H-NMR spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and electron impact (EI+) mass spectroscopy. The molecular weight of 200/A2 was determined as 662 by EI-MS ([M+H]+ : m/z = 662.1) leading to the molecular formula C39H66O8 as obtained using high resolution MS. The existence of an α, β-unsaturated γ-lactone moiety, non-hydroxylated at the C-4 position, was suggested by an IR carbonyl absorption at 1735.9 cm-1 and 1662.7 cm-1; the IR also gave signal for hydroxyl group at 3339.0 cm-1. The presence of a characteristic vinyl proton δ 7.24 (H-35, d), which is characteristic for α, β- unsaturated γ-lactone was confirmed by the 1H-NMR spectrum. The compound was thus elucidated to be 15-acetyl guanacone, an acetogenin. This acetogenin has not been reported in Annona muricata previously. The compound was subsequently subjected to molecular docking experiments which revealed that it targets and binds to vascular endothelial growth factor 2, VEGF2 (-8.5kcal/mole) and α1 β2 integrin (-6.8kcal/mole), This thus suggests that 15-acetyl guanacone prevents metastasis and invasion by cancer cells, and ultimately initiates apoptosis.Key words: VEGF2; Integrin; Cancer; Acetogenins; Apoptosis; Soursop

Impact of dietary patterns, individual and workplace characteristics on blood pressure status among civil servants in Bida and Wushishi communities of Niger State, Nigeria

The global burden estimate of hypertension is alarming and results in several million deaths annually. A high incidence of sudden deaths from cardiovascular diseases in the civil workforce in Nigeria is often reported. However, the associations between Dietary Patterns (DPs), individual, and workplace characteristics of hypertension among this workforce have not been fully explored. This study aimed to identify DP in the Bida and Wushishi Communities of Niger State and establish its relationship with hypertension along with other individual and workplace characteristics. Factor analysis was used to establish DP, Chi-square test to identify their relationships with hypertension, and logistic regression to determine the predictor risk factors. The prevalence of hypertension was 43.7%; mean weight, height, and body fat were: 72.8±15 kg, 166±8.9 mm and 30.4%, respectively. Three DPs: “Efficient Diet,” “Local diet,” and “Energy Boost Diet” were identified. The factor loading scores for these factors were divided into quintiles Q1–Q5; none of them had a significant effect on hypertension status. Conversely, increase in age, the Ministry, Department, and Agency (MDA) of employment, frequency of eating in restaurants, and obesity were identified as significant risk factors. After adjusting for confounders (age, body mass index, MDA, and eating habits), a high score (Q5) in “efficient diet pattern” was significantly related to a lower likelihood of hypertension than a low score (Q1). The prevalence of hypertension among the participants was relatively very high. An increase in age and working in educational sector were risk factors associated with hypertension. Therefore, it is recommended that civil servants engage in frequent exercise and undergo regular medical checkups, especially as they get older. These findings highlight the need for large-scale assessment of the impact of variables considered in this study on hypertension, among the civil workforce across Niger state and Nigeria

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Nigeria in 1995 and 2020: A systematic analysis of current evidence

Improved understanding of the current burden of hypertension, including awareness, treatment, and control, is needed to guide relevant preventative measures in Nigeria. A systematic search of studies on the epidemiology of hypertension in Nigeria, published on or after January 1990, was conducted. The authors employed randomeffects meta-analysis on extracted crude hypertension prevalence, and awareness, treatment, and control rates. Using a meta-regression model, overall hypertension cases in Nigeria in 1995 and 2020 were estimated. Fifty-three studies (n = 78 949) met our selection criteria. Estimated crude prevalence of pre-hypertension (120-139/80-89 mmHg) in Nigeria was 30.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.0%-39.7%), and the crude prevalence of hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) was 30.6% (95% CI: 27.3%-34.0%). When adjusted for age, study period, and sample, absolute cases of hypertension increased by 540% among individuals aged ≥20 years from approximately 4.3 million individuals in 1995 (age-adjusted prevalence 8.6%, 95% CI: 6.5-10.7) to 27.5 million individuals with hypertension in 2020 (age-adjusted prevalence 32.5%, 95% CI: 29.8-35.3). The age-adjusted prevalence was only significantly higher among men in 1995, with the gap between both sexes considerably narrowed in 2020. Only 29.0% of cases (95% CI: 19.7-38.3) were aware of their hypertension, 12.0% (95% CI: 2.7-21.2) were on treatment, and 2.8% (95% CI: 0.1-5.7) had at-goal blood pressure in 2020. Our study suggests that hypertension prevalence has substantially increased in Nigeria over the last two decades. Although more persons are aware of their hypertension status, clinical treatment and control rates, however, remain low. These estimates are relevant for clinical care, population, and policy response in Nigeria and across Africa