Effects of co-administration of tobacco leaf or cigarette extracts with caffeine on oxidative stress markers in brain and plasma of Wistar rats

Background: Oxidative stress has been linked with diseases associated with brain damage resulting from overconsumption of psycho-active neurotoxicants such as nicotine and caffeine. This study investigated the effect of administration of extracts of Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco leaf used for production of nicotine/cigarettes) and cigarette with caffeine on biomarkers of oxidative stress in brain and plasma of Wistar rats. The outcome of this study is expected to unveil the adverse oxidative effect of the pysho-active agents.Design: Fifty-five rats were allotted randomly into eleven groups (n=5/group). Group one (control) received the vehicle, other groups were administered the following; group 2 (caffeine 10 mg/kg), group 3 (caffeine 20 mg/kg), group 4 & 5 (tobacco extracts 170 & 340 mg/kg respectively), group 6 & 7 (cigarette extracts 170 & 340 mg/kg respectively), group 8 (caffeine 10 mg/kg + tobacco extract 170 mg/kg), group 9 (caffeine 20 mg/kg + tobacco extract 340 mg/kg), group 10 (caffeine 10 mg/kg + cigarette extract 170 mg/kg), and group 11 (caffeine 20 mg/kg + cigarette extract 340 mg/kg).Results: In this study, administration of caffeine, and extracts of tobacco/cigarette alone or in combination to the rats markedly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the brain and plasma while marked reduction in catalase activity was observed when compared to control.Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study showed that co-administration or use of nicotine and tobacco/cigarette extracts, or lone use may induce oxidative stress by modulation of the antioxidant system via increased level of malondialdehyde and decreased catalase activity

Evaluation of Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb levels in commonly used cosmetics and some adverse reactions in Ibadan Metropolis, South-West Nigeria

Skin absorption remains a major source of heavy metal toxicity in humans. This study determine the heavy metals content of selected cosmetics frequently used in Ibadan South-west Nigeria using AAS model ICE 3000 and some adverse reactions. Questionnaires administered to people of different age groups and classes in the society informed the choice of representative cosmetics for heavy metals analysis. The questionnaire revealed gender distribution usage of 84.7% and 15.3%; for female and male respectively. Cosmetics use was observed to be highest among the age bracket 21-25years (30.7%). Unmarried (single) females (58.9%) used cosmetics more than the married (40.6%). While 5.9% used it for bleaching, 21.3% had various adverse effects arising from cosmetics usage. All the various cosmetics brands contained Cr, Ni and Cd. Cr levels in eyeliner (12.7ppm) and face-powder (2.5ppm) were higher than EPA limit (1ppm). Pb levels in eyeliner (87.8ppm) and hair-dye (21.6ppm) were higher than WHO limits (10ppm). Cd levels in eyeliner (0.8ppm), lip-gloss (0.5ppm) and face-powder (1.8ppm) were higher than WHO limits (0.3ppm). The cumulative exposure to heavy metals in cosmetics products as a result of prolonged use could be a possible source of heavy metals toxicity.Keywords: Heavy Metals, Cosmetics, Toxicity, Exposur

A retrospective review of PID amongst women seen in GOPC and their immediate outcomes at a health facility in Nigeria between 2007-2017

Background: Women suffering from Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) are at higher risk of infertility, regular/prolonged hospitalization making this disease a clinical and public health issue. This study aimed to investigate the reported cases of PID, associated factors and drug management of this condition by clinicians.Design: Patients records within the study period were obtained from the medical records unit of the central secondary health to extract relevant information of all the patients diagnosed with PID.Results: Results showed that 57 (41.6%) women were within the age range of 26 and 35 years. Also, 69 (50.4%) women were diagnosed with PID for the second time. The results showed that Chlamydia trachomatis was the most isolated organism while vaginal candidiasis (13.1%) was the most frequent co-infection. Metronidazole (68%), doxycycline (67%) and ciprofloxacin (54%) were the foremost prescribed.Conclusions: High recurrent cases of PID observed in this study calls for investigation into probable drug resistance development and patients’ education. Finally, the observed high prevalence of PID the adolescent age group necessitates public health education in the inherent dangers of early sexual activities

Microbiome: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and drug/xenobiotic interactions

The participation of microbiota in myriads of physiological, metabolic,  genetic and immunological processes shows that they are a fundamental part of human existence and health maintenance. The efficiency of drugs’ absorption depends on solubility, stability, permeability and metabolic   enzymes produced by the body and gut microbiota. Two major types of microbiota-drug interaction have been identified; direct and indirect. The use of antibiotics is a direct means of targeting intestinal microbes and short-term use of antibiotic can significantly alter the microbiome  composition. It is noteworthy that not every microbial drug metabolism is of benefit to the host as some drugs can shut down microbial processes as observed in the co-administration of antiviral sorivudine with  fluoropyridimide resulting in a toxic buildup of fluoropyridimide metabolites from blockade of host fluoropyridimide by the microbial-sorivudine  metabolite. It has been reported that many classes of drugs and  xenobiotics modify the gut microbiome composition which may be detrimental to human health. Microbiome-drug interaction may be beneficial or detrimental resulting in either treatment success or failure which is largely dependent on factors such as microbial enzymes, chemical composition of candidate drug, host immunity and the complex relationship that exists with the microbiome. The effects of microbiota on pharmacology of drugs and vice versa are discussed in this review.Keywords: microbiome; pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, drug, xenobiotic English Title: Microbiome: pharmacocinétique, pharmacodynamique et interactions médicamenteuses/xénobiotiquesLa participation du microbiote à des myriades de processus physiologiques, métaboliques, génétiques et immunologiques montre qu’ils sont un élément fondamental de l’existence et du maintien de la santé de l’être humain. L’efficacité de l’absorption des médicaments dépend de la solubilité, de la stabilité, de la perméabilité et des enzymes métaboliques produites par le corps et le microbiote intestinal. Deux types principaux d’interaction microbiote-médicament ont été identifiés; direct et indirect. L'utilisation d'antibiotiques est un moyen direct de cibler les microbes intestinaux et une utilisation à court terme d'antibiotique peut modifier de manière significative la composition du microbiome. Il est à noter que tous les métabolismes de médicaments microbiens ne sont pas bénéfiques pour l'hôte, car certains médicaments peuvent arrêter les processus microbiens observés lors de l'administration concomitante d'antiviral sorivudine et de fluoropyridimide, ce qui entraîne une accumulation toxique de métabolites de fluoropyridimide résultant du blocage du fluoropyridimide par l'hôte. métabolite microbien-sorivudine. Il a été rapporté que de nombreuses classes de médicaments et de xénobiotiques modifiaient la composition du microbiome intestinal, ce qui pourrait nuire à la santé humaine. Une  interaction médicamenteuse-microbiome peut être bénéfique ou  préjudiciable, entraînant le succès ou l'échec du traitement, qui dépend en grande partie de facteurs tels que les enzymes microbiennes, la  composition chimique du médicament candidat, l'immunité de l'hôte et la relation complexe qui existe avec le microbiome. Les effets du microbiote sur la pharmacologie des médicaments et inversement sont discutés dans cette revue.Mots-clés: microbiome; pharmacocinétique, pharmacodynamique,  médicament, xénobiotiqu

Hypoglycaemic and secondary complication ameliorating effects of solvent fractions of Bauhinia Thonningii in experimental diabetic rats

Background: Bauhinia thonningii is a flowering plant of African origin with scientifically proved medicinal values of the crude extracts. This work was designed to study the effects of solvent fractions of Bauhinia thonningii leaves on fasting glucose level and blood lipid parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats; towards isolation and characterization of the pure active compound. Design: Hundred milligram per kilogram body weight (100 mg/kg bw) of four different solvent fractions of the plant (n-hexane, chloroform, methanol, ethyl acetate) were orally administered to randomly allotted diabetic rats (≥200mg/dl) for 12 days. Blood samples were collected for estimation of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), Triglycerides and Coronary Risk Index (CRI).Results: Results showed that chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions  reduced fasting blood glucose to a level comparable with reference drug  (glibenclamide). Coronary Risk Index, which is a measure of the tendency of a cardiovascular disorder, was also improved by ethyl acetate fractions of this plant. These results suggest that ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions of Bauhinia thonningii have a potent hypoglycaemic ability and are capable of reversing hyperglycaemic secondary complications. Also, results showed  that the bioactive molecules are cations. Conclusion: Findings from the study revealed that the active compound(s) are located in these fractions paving way for isolation and characterization of the active compounds

Quantification of Some Metals in Commonly Consumed Canned Foods in South-west Nigeria: Probable Pointer to Metal Toxicity

Canned foods are one of the most commonly consumed products, due to benefits like the taste, handiness and convenience derived from them. On the other hand, these dietary products may be a means of heavy metal exposure and toxicant. This study aimed to quantify metals content in some frequently consumed canned foods in Nigeria as a possible source of toxicity. Twenty-two different commonly consumed brands of canned foods (Sweet corn, Green peas, Corned beef, Hotdog, Mushroom, Tin tomato, Mixed fruit, Baked beans, Mackerel (tomato sauce canned fish), Sardine (canned fish in vegetable oil) and Red kidney were analyzed for Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb and Al using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer after wet digestion. The results showed that the heavy metals concentration in the samples under study ranged from 0.55 to 0.86mg/kg (Ni), 0.00 to 0.41mg/kg (Cr), 1.40 to 1.76 mg/kg (Pb), 0.07 to 0.2mg/kg (Cu) and 4.71 to 16.4mg/kg (Al). The levels of Pb, Ni and Al were above FAO/WHO recommended limit of 0.01mg/kg, 0.05mg/kg and 7mg/kg respectively. The presence of heavy metals like lead (Pb) above the permissible limit calls for caution during production and in the frequent consumption of canned foods which may lead to accumulation of metals, toxicity and the sequelae

Assessing diagnostic variations and correlates of fasting blood glucose

Objective: To assess the diagnostic variables of blood glucose level among students of basic medical Sciences of Delta State University, Abraka Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive cross sectional survey on a total of one hundred and ten (110) students of the Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Delta State University, Abraka was conducted. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the differences in the data collected.Results: The fasting blood glucose levels of 87.5% and 85% of the students had a normoglycemic level as indicated by the left and right thumb respectively. Also, a greater percentage (69.1%) of the students were between the age range 21 – 25. Furthermore, 72.7%, 76.4% and 64.5% of the students had normal weight, normal WHR and normal BP respectively.Conclusion: There is no significant difference in the diagnostic assessment of blood glucose level using either right or left thumb. Keywords: Fasting blood glucose, diabetes, diagnostic, Delta State, hypertension

Drug repurposing: cost effectiveness and impact on emerging and neglected diseases

Historically, pressure on nature brought about by ever-increasing human pollution and technological advancement culminate in emergence and re- emergence of infectious and non-infectious diseases; necessitating medications and drug discovery and development. The emergence of resistantmicroorganisms and the emergence of new infections disease conditions necessitate the production of entirely new drugs or modification of the existing ones to increase their efficacy. The development of novel medications is a very long and expensive process. There is a significant decrease observed in the number of new drugs approved for clinical use in recent years showing inconsistency in the face of scientific advances and research and development investment. Regardless of high investment and enormous contributions, very few molecules showed promising results. However, finding novel indications for existing drugs can be a useful method of reducing the developmental cycle of drugs. Repositioning (also called repurposing) has been described as the practice of developing new therapeutic uses for drugs, abandoned or drugs in development process, other than the initially intended or approved uses, except for the circumstances in which the novel use is comparable to the original indication with dissimilar pharmacological targets. This review aimed at looking into some of the available methods in drug repurposing. Key words: Drug discovery; Drug repurposing; Machine learning; Neglected Tropical diseases; Orphan drug

Maximizing the incorporation of cassava flour as an adjunct in bread baking in Nigeria

Bread is popular around the world and is one of the world’s oldest foods. Bread is usually made from common wheat-flour dough. Till date most people are not familiar with other types of bread apart from that made from 100% wheat flour. When a part of wheat flour is replaced with flours from other food sources (yam, cassava, etc) the wheat gluten is automatically reduced. This study aimed at re-examining the approval of ten percent (10%) cassava flour inclusion in bread baking in Nigeria and evaluating higher % substitutions, with a view to increasing cassava carrying capacity for producing acceptable bread. The water absorption capacity (WAC) of wheat, cassava and composite flours ranged from 62.7 to 79% while oil absorption capacity (OAC) ranged from 4.5 to 72%. As cassava percent inclusion increased both WAC and OAC increased. Bread loaves produced from 10-20% inclusions without egg white had sensory scores of 3.2 to 3.9 and were significantly (p < 0.05) better than 25-30% wheat cassava composite bread loaves. In all sensory attributes, 10-20% cassava inclusion, with added egg white, produced bread loaves which were as good as 100% wheat bread. In terms of taste, colour, odour and texture 25-30% composite bread loaves had identical sensory values. This study showed that bread of acceptable quality can be produced from wheat flour substituted with up to 30% cassava flour

Mood swing during menstruation: Confounding factors and drug use

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a physiologic process in women where mood swing is one of the symptoms influencing the psycho-emotional, physical, and behavioral reactions exhibited by women during menstruation. This study elucidates the effect of mood swing, confounding factors and healthcare-seeking behaviors of women in an educational environment.METHODS: Exactly 328 women who were within reproductive ages 16 and 35 years participated in this study. A survey method was adopted; validated and standardized questionnaires were administered to confidentially assess the effect of mood swing via PMS. All data were analyzed with SPSS 25.0; descriptive method was adopted and results were expressed in percentages.RESULTS: Mood swing was discovered as a symptom overlapping with psycho-emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms during menstruation. The overall PMS prevalence was 67.4% while PMDD prevalence was 25.6%. Psycho-emotional symptoms: anger, irritability, depression. Physical symptoms: coldness, paleness, food craving, breast tenderness, digestive changes. Behavioral symptoms: social withdrawal, nocturnal social activity, absenteeism, poor work or academic performance, increased libido. Confounding factors include stress, gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroid, ovarian cyst, pelvic adhesion, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Also, 22.9% had a family history of bipolar disorder (BD) while 30.2% had previous diagnosis. Severe pain was a major factor for seeking treatment; Paracetamol, and Piroxicam were frequently used drugs.CONCLUSIONS: Severe PMS triggers mood swing and can badly affect academic or work activities; victims either endure the pain due to socio-cultural and financial factors or take unsuitable medications where abuse is inevitable