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.

Effect of moderate - vigorous intensity physical exercise on female sex hormones in premenopausal university students in Nnewi, Nigeria

Background: Sedentary lifestyle and diseases associated with it is on the increase in our communities, state and country as a whole. The objective was to determine the effect of exercise on ovarian reserve status of the participants using day 3 FSH, LH and estrogen values and the ovulatory status of the participants using day 21 progesterone values. Methods: The study was a prospective comparative study. A total of 30 participants were recruited for this work. They were divided into 2 groups: 15 subjects that did exercise for 1 month and 15 controls that didn’t do any form of exercise. Baseline blood samples were collected from the two groups on day 3 and day 21 of the menstrual cycle. The subjects started exercise on day 1 of the next menstrual cycle. Blood samples were collected from the subjects and control on day 3 and day 21 of the next menstrual cycle. Results:There was significant reduction in weight and therefore BMI of the study group compared to control group and study group baseline after one month of exercise (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the baseline levels of Estrogen, FSH, LH and progesterone between the subjects and control groups before the exercise, but after 1 month of exercise, there were significant differences in the levels of estrogen, FSH, LH and progesterone in these groups (P<0.01). Among the study group there were significant differences in the baseline and final levels of Estrogen, FSH, LH and Progesterone (P<0.01). Conclusions: The hormonal pattern shows that moderate-vigorous exercise may increase the responsiveness and sensitivity of the follicles to FSH and LH with attendant increase in ovulatory status of young females.

Assessment of serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and albumin in human immuno-deficiency virus-infected individuals with or without malaria parasite infection in Nauth, Nnewi, Nigeria

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection with malaria is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, including Nigeria. Both infections have impact on the disease severity and progression. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study aimed to determine the serum soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and albumin in HIV/malaria-infected individuals attending the antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, (NAUTH) Nnewi, Nigeria. 168 randomly selected individuals aged 18-65 years grouped into 42 HIV-infected individuals on ART, 42 HIV-malaria c-o-infected individuals on ART, 42 malaria-infected individuals, and 42 apparently healthy individuals (control) were included in the study. Serum sICAM-1 and albumin were determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and bromocresol green technique respectively while CD4 T-cell count was obtained from the patients’ records. Results: The mean serum sICAM-1, albumin and systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels were significantly higher in HIV individuals with and without malaria infection when compared with control participants (p&lt;0.05) respectively. The mean CD4 T-cell count was significantly lower in HIV/malaria co-infected individuals when compared with HIV infected individuals (p &lt;0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between CD4 count and sICAM-1 both in HIV infected individuals and HIV-malaria co-infection (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: The increased sICAM-1, SBP with decreased albumin levels suggests inflammatory and vascular changes with reduced hepatic synthesis which may result in endothelial dysfunction, adverse cardiovascular conditions, and disease progression.

The levels of testosterone, zinc, manganese and selenium in type 2 diabetic patient in South-Eastern Nigeria

Background: This study is aimed at evaluating the levels of some trace elements and testosterone, and to ascertain their possible association in type 2 diabetes mellitus.  Methods: Ninety male type 2 diabetic subjects and forty five apparently healthy non-diabetic male individuals were recruited into this study. The control group was matched for age with the study subjects and they were all within the age range of 30-67 years. Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), testosterone, trace elements (zinc, selenium, manganese), Body Mass Index (BMI) were determined.Results: This study showed significant decreases in the levels of trace elements (Zn, Se, and Mn) with a concomitant decrease in the levels of testosterone in type 2 diabetic patients (P <0.001). This findings were further strengthened by the strong positive correlation between testosterone and these trace elements (P <0.05).Conclusion: This suggests that low testosterone level might be as a result of low trace elements considering their role in testosterone production. Therefore, trace elements supplementation is recommended

Effect of omega-3 supplementation on serum adiponectin and fertility hormones in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy affecting women of reproductive age with prevalence of about 4%–20%. Aim: This study aims to evaluate serum adiponectin and fertility hormones in women with PCOS, and the subsequent effect of omega-3 supplementation. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and fifty women aged 18–40 years were assigned into groups A and B comprising women with PCOS and control, respectively. Group A was further subdivided into groups 1 and 2 receiving omega-3 and placebo daily for 12 weeks, respectively. Blood samples were collected before and after 12 weeks of supplementation for analysis of adiponectin, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, prolactin, estradiol, progesterone, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 was used for data analysis, and the level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Serum adiponectin, progesterone, and SHBG were significantly lower while FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, and estradiol were significantly higher in women with PCOS when compared with the control (P < 0.05). Adiponectin and progesterone levels increased significantly while FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, and estradiol levels decreased significantly after 12 weeks of omega-3 supplementation when compared with the levels at baseline as well as when compared with those on placebo (P < 0.05). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 was used for data analysis. Conclusion: Omega-3 may be beneficial in improving certain hormonal alterations in women with PCOS. Omega-3 supplements may therefore be used as part of the regimen in the management of patients with PCOS

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among Adults Attending Medical Outpatient Clinic Using Ultrasound

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common metabolic disorder characterized by accumulation of excess fat in the liver in the absence of significant alcohol consumption. This condition has been linked to certain risk factors such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidaemia. Data in the developing economies are very scanty, hence the need for this study.Objectives: To ascertain the frequency and correlates of NAFLD among adult Nigerians and staging this condition using ultrasound. It also aimed at evaluating correlations between NAFLD and possible associated factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia.Methodology: Consenting adult patients attending Out Patient Clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) who do not have significant alcohol consumption and were serologically negative for Hepatitis B or C infections were recruited for the study. Biodata and other relevant clinical histories were taken and clinical anthropometric measurements obtained. Blood samples were taken from the patients to assess their fasting blood glucose, liver function tests and fasting lipid profiles. An experienced ultra-sonographer performed abdominal ultrasound scan looking for presence of NAFLD and staged it. Data were analysed with statistical package for social sciences software(SPSS), version 17Results: A total of 102 individuals participated in the study, 46(45.1%) females and 56(54.9%) males. The mean age of the study participants was 53.1±16.4 years (range 22-88 years). Female male ratio was 1:1.2. About thirty-one percent of the patients studied had NAFLD. Both the mean BMI and mean Waist Circumference were higher among subjects with NAFLD compared to those without ultrasonographic evidence of NAFLD, with p-values of ˂0.001 and 0.008 respectively. Diabetes mellitus was significantly present among the participants with NAFLD compared to those participants without evidence of NAFLD (53.1% vs 27.1%, p=0.011). Hypertension had a similar relationship, but not significant (p = 0.121).Conclusion: The prevalence of NAFLD seems to be high in this hospital based study and important correlates are obesity and Diabetes mellitus. Key Words: Fatty liver disease, Obesity, Type 2 diabetes, Hyperlipidemia, Metabolic syndrome, Insulin resistanc