Inhibitory effects of Phyllanthus amarus extracts on the growth of some pathogenic microorganisms

This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of Phyllanthus amarus extracts on Staphylococcus aureus,  Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. These effects were compared with those of ampicillin, gentamicin and pefloxacin. Phytochemical  analysis showed that the plant contained flavonoids, steroids, terpenes, alkaloids, benzenoids, saponins and lipids. This plant was found to have remarkable inhibitory effects on the growth of all the  organisms tested; S. aureus was the most susceptible (MIC 20ug/ml) while Pseudomonas aeruginosa and C. albicans were the least susceptible (MIC 30ug/ml). The organisms were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, the inhibition was almost directly proportional to the extract concentration. The aqueous extract had no significant increase inhibitory effects compared to the ethanol extract (p > 0.05). The standard antibiotics had no greater inhibitory effects on the test organisms in relation to the plant extracts (p>0.05). The in vitro analysis revealed that Phyllanthus amarus possesses an antimicrobial activity comparable with those of standard antibiotic discs. Further works is recommended to determine its suitability in chemotherapy. Keywords: Inhibitory effects, Phyllanthus amarus extract, Pathogenic microorganisms

Variations in levels of selected micronutrients during malaria infection: A study from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria

Malaria infection has been a global issue most especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Disease progression to severe malaria as a result of alteration in micronutrients could worsen the illness. The study aimed to determine whether there are variations in the levels of selected micronutrients (Iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc), malaria parasite density and packed cell volume (PCV) during malaria infection. Material and methods A total of one hundred young adults between the ages of eighteen and twenty two years were investigated. Blood samples were collected from fifty malaria subjects and fifty apparently non-infected subjects. Malaria detection was by microscopy while the parasite density was estimated using WHO standard procedure. Analysis of selected micronutrients (copper, iron, magnesium and zinc) was carried out using direct measurement on atomic absorption spectrophotometer and PCV was estimated using Micro-haematocrit method. Results The results showed that the levels of the micronutrients were significantly higher (p<0.05) in malaria subjects compared with controls. Significant positive relationships between copper, magnesium and zinc were found at p<0.01 and p<0.05. Conclusion The study concluded that there are significant variations in the levels of the micronutrients during malaria infection

Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibodies seroprevalence among students in two tertiary institutions in Anambra state, Nigeria: a comparative study

Chlamydia infection is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in humans caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. This study assessed the seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies among students in two tertiary institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria. It was a comparative cross-sectional survey using enzyme immunoassay kits for the determination of IgG class antibodies, while the multistage sampling technique was used in the selection of participants for the study. The overall prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies observed in this survey was 14.3%, which was higher among students from the University (21.6%) than their counterparts from the College of Education (7.4%) (χ2=5.89, df=1p&lt;0.015). Factors found to have significant effect on the seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in both institutions were: prior sexual exposure (p&lt;0.05); unprotected sexual intercourse in the last one year (p&lt;0.05); multiple sexual partners in the last one year (p&lt;0.05); and presence of symptoms suggestive of STI (p&lt;0.05). Among students in the College of Education, the place of residence significantly affected Chlamydia trachomatis seroprevalence with a preponderance towards students living off-campus (χ2=4.00, df-1, p&lt;0.05). Hence, there is need to institute appropriate prevention and control measures against the transmission of the disease especially among those at risk of contracting the disease.Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, seroprevalence, sexual behaviour, students, tertiary institutions

Variations in levels of selected micronutrients during malaria infection: A study from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria

Background Malaria infection has been a global issue most especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Disease progression to severe malaria as a result of alteration in micronutrients could worsen the illness. The study aimed to determine whether there are variations in the levels of selected micronutrients (Iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc), malaria parasite density and packed cell volume (PCV) during malaria infection. Material and methods A total of one hundred young adults between the ages of eighteen and twenty two years were investigated. Blood samples were collected from fifty malaria subjects and fifty apparently non-infected subjects. Malaria detection was by microscopy while the parasite density was estimated using WHO standard procedure. Analysis of selected micronutrients (copper, iron, magnesium and zinc) was carried out using direct measurement on atomic absorption spectrophotometer and PCV was estimated using Microhaematocrit method. Results The results showed that the levels of the micronutrients were significantly higher (p<0.05) in malaria subjects compared with controls. Significant positive relationships between copper, magnesium and zinc were found at p<0.01 and p<0.05. Conclusion The study concluded that there are significant variations in the levels of the micronutrients during malaria infection

Evaluation of Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease on Hypertensive Post-Menopausal Women and Aged-matched Hypertensive Males.

Background: This study compared plasma lipids and glucose levels in hypertensive post -menopausal women with age-matched hypertensive men. Methods: This is a cross sectional study that involves 100 subjects attending out-patient department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching hospital hypertensive clinics and control subjects. 25 hypertensive post-menopausal women and 25 hypertensive male subjects both within the same age range of 50-60 years. Also 25 hypertensive pre-menopausal women and 25 nonhypertensive controls both within the age range of 30-40 years. The lipid profile parameters (Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), Low density Lipoprotein (LDL-C), and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL-C)) and fasting plasma glucose were determined using standard methods. The study also assessed the anthropometric indices such as BMI, SBP and DBP in each group. Results: The mean levels of TC and TG were significantly lower in post-menopausal hypertensive females when compared with the hypertensive males (p<0.05). However, the mean plasma HDL-C and LDL-C did not show any significant difference between the two groups. The comparison of the mean levels of all the parameters in hypertensive males with the non-hypertensive controls showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). The mean levels of TC and LDL-C were significantly higher in hypertensive post-menopausal women when compared with hypertensive pre-menopausal females (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that menopause had altered the plasma lipids of the hypertensive post -menopausal women, but not to the extent of putting them at the same atherosclerosis scale as their male counterpart

Can serum concentration of C-reactive protein, albumin and body weight serve as an index of disease progression and treatment assessment in HIV/AIDS subjects?

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus infection induces an acute phase response which is marked by changes in the plasma concentrations of acute phase proteins and a fall in CD4+T-cell counts and body weight.Objective: To determine whether serum concentration of C-reactive protein, serum albumin level and body weight can serve as an index of disease progression and treatment assessment in HIV/AIDS. Methodology: The study investigated 80 subjects (40 subjects on anti-retroviral therapy and 40 not on therapy) and 40 sero-negative subjects (control) attending the HIV/AIDS Clinic in Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria. We determined serum concentrations of C-reactive protein, serum albumin levels and body weights. The C-reactive protein was estimated using semi-quantitative method, albumin level was estimated using bromocresol green method, and biuret method was used for total protein. The CD4+T-cell count of the subjects was determined using CyFlow Analyzer while their weights were measured using high precision weighing balance.Results: We observed that the mean weight (Kg), CD4+T-cells count (count/mm3), serum albumin (g/L), and total protein (g/L) of HIV subjects on therapy and those not on therapy were significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) than in the control subjects. The mean C-reactive protein (mg/dL) was significantly higher in subjects on therapy compared to those not on therapies and the control subjects, p&lt;0.05.Conclusion: In resource-poor regions or remote areas or villages where CD4+T-cell counts and viral load tests may not be available, the concentration of C-reactive protein, serum albumin level and changes in weight may serve as a reliable alternative marker for disease progression and treatment assessment for HIV subjects.Keywords: Acute-phase proteins, anti-retroviral therapy, total protei

Pattern of lipid profiles in hiv seropositive subjects on antiretroviral therapy

No Abstract

Prolactin secretory response during academic exercises in young adult male students

No Abstract.Journal of Biomedical Investigation Vol. 5 (2) 2007 pp. 63-6

Assessment of Lipid Profile in HIV Seropositive Pregnant Women attending Ante-Natal Clinic in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: Undesirable changes in lipid metabolism have been reported among HIV-infected individuals undergoing anti-retroviral therapy. Considering the peculiarity of pregnant women who are also faced with similar metabolic changes, it becomes necessary to ascertain lipid changes that occur in them, and assess the effect of anti-retroviral therapy (ART), diet and physical exercise on their lipid profile.Methods: The study was conducted in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi in Anambra State, Nigeria. One hundred subjects were recruited for this study. This comprised of 50 HIV sero-positive pregnant women (test) and 50matched HIV sero-negative, pregnant women (controls) attending ante-natal clinic. Questionnaires and patient records were used to obtain data and information on the subjects. They were categorized into three groups based on dietary intake (carbohydrate-rich, protein-rich and cholesterol-rich) and into two groups based on exposure to physical activity, at least one hour daily exercising and non-exercising. After an overnight fast, 5mls of blood was collected from all subjects into plain tubes and sera analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) using the VITROS 350 automatic chemistry analyzer.Result: The lipid profile of HIV sero-positive pregnant women were significantly lower than in sero-negative pregnant women (p=0.028).There was no statistically significant difference in lipid profile between those on ART and those not on ART. With physical exercise decreased levels of lipids were observed in both test and control groups (p&lt;0.05). There was significant difference in the TC and LDL-C with respect to the diets for carbohydrate-rich, protein-rich and cholesterol-rich diets (p&lt;0.05) in the control group.Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that HIV does alter the lipid profile of HIV-infected pregnant women. This, however, causes a deranged lipid profile. Physical activity and diet also play important roles in the regulation of lipid levels

Luteinizing hormone, testosterone and prolactin secretion in acute malaria

No Abstract.International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Vol. 3 (4) 2007: pp. 460-46