Sexual dimorphism in visceral adiposity measures, parameters and biomarkers of metabolic syndrome among Hausa ethnic group in Kano, Nigeria

Visceral adipose tissue is considered the most important anatomic site of adipose tissue aggregation and is considered the hall mark of metabolic syndrome (MetS) phenotype. The aim of the study was to determine sexual dimorphism in visceral adiposity measures, parameters and biomarkers of metabolic syndrome among Hausa ethnic group in Kano, Nigeria. The study was a cross sectional study including 465 participants of Kano, with a mean age of 34.4 years and 32.0 years for males and females respectively. Systematic random sampling technique was employed for subject recruitment. Weight, height, waist circumference (WC) and body mass index BMI were obtained using standard protocol. Overnight fasting blood sample was obtained for high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), uric acid and adiponectin estimation using standard laboratory protocols. Visceral adipose tissue was estimated using visceral adiposity index (VAI) and WC. It was observed that VAI, FBG, HDL and TC were significantly higher in females. There was no significant sex difference in WC, TG, and LDL, Serum adiponectin, uric acid, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In conclusion, the serum uric acid and adiponectin levels did not show sexual dimorphism. Only some of the MetS parameters are sexually dimorphic. While VAI was higher in females, WC did not show sexual dimorphism.Keywords: Biomarkers, metabolic syndrome indices, sexual dimorphism, visceral adiposit

Effect of aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa on lead-induced cerebral cortex toxicity in Long Evans rats

Lead (Pb) is a widespread toxic metal found in the environment with potential danger to human health. It is used in the manufacture of batteries, metal products, paints and other domestic substances. This study investigated the effect of aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa on leadinduced cerebral cortex toxicity in Long Evan’s rats. Twenty five Long Evans rats divided into five groups of five animals were used for the study. Group I received Distilled water, group II received aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa (1000mg/kg), group III received lead (60mg/kg), group IV received lead (60mg/kg) followed by aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa (1000mg/kg) and group V received lead (60mg/kg) followed by aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa (500mg/kg) via oral intubation. Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) was used to study anxiety-like behaviour. Activities on the elevated plus maze showed that there was no statistically significant decreased rate of anxiety across the groups (P>0.05). The histology of the cerebral cortex of long Evans rats in group IV that received Lead (60 mg/kg) followed by aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa (1000mg/kg) showed mild neuronal damage while the histology of group V animals that received lead (60mg/kg) followed by aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa (500mg/kg) showed severe neuronal damage. It can be concluded that aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa at high dose have more therapeutic effect than at low dose.Keywords: lead, Nigella sativa, elevated plus maze, cerebru

Attitude, perception and knowledge of menopause by women Ofkumana Chiefdom Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria

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