Evaluation of nephrotoxic effect of lead exposure among automobile repairers in Nnewi Metropolis

Background:Lead toxicity is one of the most common occupational hazards that affect several organs of the body, kidney inclusive. Auto repairers are exposed to lead in petrol, radiator, leaded battery, lead soldering wire, and spray paints, thus this study was designed to evaluate lead-induced nephrotoxic effect among automobile repairers.Methods:A total of 80 male subjects within the age range of 20 and 65 years were recruited for this study. 50 subjects were occupationally exposed automobile repairers, of which 15 were electricians, 21 mechanics and 14 panel beaters/spray painters, whereas 30 were non-exposed students and staff from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi campus. Blood sample was collected from these individuals and their blood lead levels were determined alongside creatinine, urea, uric acid, sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate.Results:The results showed that the mean levels of blood lead is significantly higher in automobile repairers than in control group (P 0.05). The evaluation of the renal function markers show that, there were significant increases in the mean serum concentration of creatinine, urea, and uric acid in the study group compare to the control subjects (P 0.05).Conclusion:Findings from this study show that blood lead level is high among automobile repairers above CDC recommended level for adults. This high blood lead level among automobile repairers may be responsible for raised levels of renal markers which may eventually lead to their renal damage.

SEX HORMONES CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN HIV INFECTED FEMALES AT NAUTH, NNEWI, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Background: The association of Human Immune deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and sex hormone changes may grossly affect the reproductive health in affected women. This was a prospective study done at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria to evaluate the sex hormone changes in HIV infected women of reproductive age group during menstrual cycle. Materials and methods: A total of 90 women (60 HIV positive, 30 Control) were studied. After detailed medical examination, a well-structured questionnaire was self-administered. Blood samples were collected under sterile conditions during the follicular and luteal phases of menstrual cycle after due informed consent had been sought and obtained. The samples were analyzed for sex hormones (Progesterone, estradiol and testosterone) using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Results: The result showed that the sex hormones (Progesterone, estradiol and testosterone) were significantly lower at both phases of the menstrual cycle in HIV infected women when compared to the Control (P<0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed some degree of hypogonadism in HIV infected women which may have some implication in their reproductive life

CYTOKINES CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN HIV INFECTED FEMALES AT NAUTH, NNEWI, SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

Background: HIV infection is characterized by hormonal and immunological changes which may grossly affect the reproductive cycle in affected women. Aim: To evaluate Cytokine changes in HIV infected women during menstrual cycle. Materials and methods: A total of 90 women aged between 15 and 45 years were randomly recruited for the study. 30 of the women were normal healthy seronegative for HIV and served as control. Blood samples were collected under sterile conditions during the follicular and luteal phases of menstrual cycle after due informed consent had been obtained and the samples were analyzed for Cytokines (IL-8, IL-6, IL-4, and TNFα) using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Results: The Cytokines (IL-8, IL-6, IL-4 and TNFα) were significantly higher at both phases of menstrual cycle in HIV infected women when compared with the Control (P<0.05). Interpretation and Conclusion: The study showed significant cytokine changes with some degree of inflammatory reactions in HIV infected women. The implication of these changes within reproductive life of the women is discussed

SEX HORMONES CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN HIV INFECTED FEMALES AT NAUTH, NNEWI, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Background: The association of Human Immune deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and sex hormone changes may grossly affect the reproductive health in affected women. This was a prospective study done at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria to evaluate the sex hormone changes in HIV infected women of reproductive age group during menstrual cycle. Materials and methods: A total of 90 women (60 HIV positive, 30 Control) were studied. After detailed medical examination, a well-structured questionnaire was self-administered. Blood samples were collected under sterile conditions during the follicular and luteal phases of menstrual cycle after due informed consent had been sought and obtained. The samples were analyzed for sex hormones (Progesterone, estradiol and testosterone) using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Results: The result showed that the sex hormones (Progesterone, estradiol and testosterone) were significantly lower at both phases of the menstrual cycle in HIV infected women when compared to the Control (P<0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed some degree of hypogonadism in HIV infected women which may have some implication in their reproductive life