Comparison of phyto-accumulation of metals by Vigna unguiculata L. (bean) and Zea mays L. (maize) grown in crude oil contaminated soil

The study compared the phyto-accumulation of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) by bean and maize seedlings grown in crude oil-contaminated soils. A total of 300 bags containing 500g of soil were used for this study. Three viable seeds of bean and maize were planted in a set of 60 bags of sandy loam soil with no history of crude oil contamination, which served as control, 180 bags of sandy loam soil were mixed with crude oil to give 2%, 5% and 10% contamination, while another set of 60 bags had 500g of soil from crude oil spill site in Ubeji community, Niger Delta. Both plants were harvested 7, 14 and 21 days post germination and the soils and seedlings analyzed for some metals before and after planting. Metal levels in the crude oil contaminated soils were not detected for Cd but showed high concentrations for the other metals when compared with control. The values of Cu, Pb, Zn and Fe decreased in the crude oil contaminated soil and increased in both seedlings as the number of days increased. The study indicates that bean seedlings accumulated more Fe and Cu than maize whereas maize seedlings accumulated more Zn and Pb than bean in the crude oil contaminated soil. The results suggest that the plant species for phyto-accumulation measures for decontamination of crude oil contaminated soils is an important factor.Keywords: bean, copper, iron, lead, maize, phyto-accumulation, sandy loam soil, zinc

Biochemical observations in rats fed with cycads, Nigerian-like and western-like folic acid supplemented diets

Alterations in antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation was studied in 90 Wistar albino rats exposed to cycads and fed with Nigerian-like and western-like diets supplemented with folic acid. The animals were divided into three diet classes of 30 animals each. One group was fed with a wholly compounded Nigerian-like diet (NLD) which was low in protein and high in carbohydrate and fiber. Another group was fed with a western like diet (WLD) which was high in protein and fat, while the third group of animals was fed with a normal diet which served as the control class. The animals of each class were further divided into three subgroups of ten rats each. In each subclass, one group received the diet alone; another group received the diet and cycads, while the third group received the diet and folic acid. Low levels of catalase, feed intake and faecal output was observed with experimental animals fed NLD as compared to WLD and normal diet (ND) fed animals. High levels of antioxidant enzymes: super oxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase as well as low levels of lipid peroxidation was observed with the addition of folic acid to the diets of experimental rats. These results suggest the role of folic acid in diet and colon carcinogenesis.Key words: Antioxidant enzymes, cycads, diets, folic acid, lipid peroxidation

Effect of soy protein on serum lipid profile and some lipid-metabolizing enzymes in cholesterol fed rats

The effect of soy protein on serum lipid profile and some lipid metabolizing enzymes in rats fed with cholesterol diets was examined in this study. Rats were subjected to feeding trial over a period of sixweeks on formulated diets containing: 20% soy protein with 0% cholesterol (group A), 20% soy protein with 5% cholesterol (group B), 20% soy protein with 10% cholesterol (group C), 0% soy protein with 20% cholesterol (group D), and 5% soy protein with 20% cholesterol (group E). Serum total, VLDL, LDL, and HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were found to be reduced significantly in Groups B and C when compared with Groups D and E (p 0.05). Groups D and E showed significant increased levels (p < 0.01) when compared to other groups. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT), and triglyceride lipase (TGL) activities were found to be significantly reduced (p< 0.05) in groups B and C when compared with groups D and E. Though groups B, C, D, and E rats all showed significant elevation (p < 0.05) in the enzyme activities when compared to the control

A survey of macrofungi in Edo/Delta region of Nigeria, their morphology and uses

A survey of macrofungi and their ethnomycology was carried out in Edo and Delta states (latitudes 4.87° to 7.12° E and longitudes 5° to 7.6° N) of Nigeria. The survey covers six selected local government areas (Burutu, Etsako East and West, Ovia South-West and Ukhumwonde) scattered across different vegetation zones in the region. Fifty three (53) species of macrofungi were encountered at the end of the survey, 26 species comprising of 23 basidiomycetes and 3 ascomycetes were fully enumerated. Auricularia auricula, Pleurotus spp, Schizophyllum commune and Volvariella volvaceae are eaten by 77% of the sampled communities. Analyses of their nutrient contents recorded over 55% per gram fibre, 11.77% per gram protein, between 7.16 and 12.63% per gram carbohydrate. Amanita phalloides, Daldinia concentrica, Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma resinaceus and Nothopanus sp are more frequently employed in the treatment of varying degrees of anemic, blood pressure, gastro-intestinal, homoeostatic, oral and rheumatic ailments. Lowland forest regions recorded greater species diversity and richness than other regions studied. Mushroom hunters, 45% women and 26% youths (ages 18-28), hunt for the in the wild to supply the mushroom needs of the inhabitants of the Edo/Delta region. The hunters are mostly guided by divergent and unwritten mushroom hunting codes while picking in the wild. Keywords: survey, macrofungi, edible, ethnomycology, Edo/Delta region Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 12(2) 2006: 149-15

Liver Function Status in some Nigerian Children with Protein Energy Malnutrition

Objective: To ascertain functional status of the liver in Nigeria Children with Protein energy malnutrition Materials and Methods: Liver function tests were performed on a total of 88 children with protein energy malnutrition (PEM). These were compared with 22 apparently well-nourished children who served as controls. High performance enzymatic colorimetric commercial kits (RANDOX Laboratories Ltd. UK) were used for the assay. Anthropometry, haematocrit, liver enzymes and bilirubin levels of the patients and controls were measured. Results: Serum total proteins and albumin fraction were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in all the types of PEM compared with the controls. There was marked hypoproteinaemia and hypoalbuminaemia in kwashiorkor. Haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were reduced (p < 0.05) while aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Although serum unconjugated bilirubin was reduced in the PEM cases, its value did not differ significantly in marasmic patients. Conclusion: These findings suggest that abnormalities in serum levels of these parameters occur in any form of PEM and are related to the severity of the condition. Key Words: Liver Function status in PEM; Nigeria Orient Journal of Medicine Vol.15(1&2) 2003: 58-6