Multi-omics in nasal epithelium reveals three axes of dysregulation for asthma risk in the African Diaspora populations.

Asthma has striking disparities across ancestral groups, but the molecular underpinning of these differences is poorly understood and minimally studied. A goal of the Consortium on Asthma among African-ancestry Populations in the Americas (CAAPA) is to understand multi-omic signatures of asthma focusing on populations of African ancestry. RNASeq and DNA methylation data are generated from nasal epithelium including cases (current asthma, N = 253) and controls (never-asthma, N = 283) from 7 different geographic sites to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and gene networks. We identify 389 DEGs; the top DEG, FN1, was downregulated in cases (q = 3.26 × 10-9) and encodes fibronectin which plays a role in wound healing. The top three gene expression modules implicate networks related to immune response (CEACAM5; p = 9.62 × 10-16 and CPA3; p = 2.39 × 10-14) and wound healing (FN1; p = 7.63 × 10-9). Multi-omic analysis identifies FKBP5, a co-chaperone of glucocorticoid receptor signaling known to be involved in drug response in asthma, where the association between nasal epithelium gene expression is likely regulated by methylation and is associated with increased use of inhaled corticosteroids. This work reveals molecular dysregulation on three axes - increased Th2 inflammation, decreased capacity for wound healing, and impaired drug response - that may play a critical role in asthma within the African Diaspora.

Assessment of humoral immunity and nutritionally essential trace elements in steady-state sickle cell disease Nigerian children before and after Prevenar 13 pneumococcal vaccination.

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are particularly prone to pneumococcal infection and administration of Prevenar 13 pneumococcal vaccine in Nigerian children with SCD is yet to be wide spread. This call for the need to study humoral immune responses stimulated by Prevenar 13 pneumococcal vaccine in SCD children to confirm the benefit or otherwise for the use of Prevenar 13 pneumococcal vaccine. Method: The levels of humoral (innate and adaptive) immune factors and associated nutritionally essential trace elements were determined following Prevenar 13 pneumococcal vaccination of 23 Nigerian children with SCD. Serum innate humoral immune factors [Complement factors (C1q and C4), transferrin, ferritin, and C-reactive protein (CRP)] and adaptive humoral immune factors [IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE] were determined using ELISA. Nutritionally essential trace elements such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were measured also using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The serum levels of certain innate humoral immune factors (ferritin, CRP, and C4), only one adaptive humoral immune factors (IgE), and essential trace elements (Fe, Zn, and Cu) were significantly elevated in children with SCD post Prevenar 13 pneumococcal vaccination when compared to prevaccination levels. Conclusion: Vaccination of children with SCD with Prevenar 13 pneumococcal vaccine was associated with increased levels of more innate humoral immune factors than adaptive factors. This study thus supports the administration of Prevenar 13 pneumococcal vaccination to children with SCD.

Changes in Selected Renal Function Parameters of Newly Admitted COVID-19 Patients from One Infectious Diseases Center in Ibadan, Nigeria: Indication for Immunopathology.

COVID-19 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters the host cells through attachment to the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 receptors (ACE-2) on the host cells. ACE-2 is known to affect renal functions, vasoconstriction and fluid homeostasis. Thus, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on renal functional parameters is worth investigating. Plasma obtained from whole blood samples collected from newly diagnosed COVID-19 patients were analysed for albumin, urea, creatinine, Na, K, Cl and HCO3 using auto analysers. All newly diagnosed patients were immediately admitted for managed at the Infectious Disease Center, Olodo in Ibadan the capital of Oyo State, South Western Nigeria. The results obtained were evaluated to determine the frequency of derangements in the renal parameters of patients with the COVID-19 disease. It was observed that 57.1%, 37.8%, 32.7%, 28.1%, 18.7%, 17.8% and 3.4% of newly diagnosed COVID-19 patients had values of Cl, creatinine, albumin, Na, K, HCO3 and urea respectively outside the reference ranges. While 43.3%, 4.7%, 2.5%, 2.5%, 2.0%, 1.7% and 1.0% of COVID-19 patients had values of Cl, creatinine, Na, K, albumin, Urea and HCO3 respectively above the reference ranges. Of all admitted patients, 33.1%, 30.7%, 25.6%, 16.8%, 16.3%, 13.8% and 1.7% had creatinine, albumin, Na, HCO3, K, Cl and urea values respectively below reference ranges. The changes in renal function parameters of newly diagnosed COVID-19 patients portend that renal failure is imminent in poorly managed COVID-19 patients and this has immunopathology implications during SAR-COV-2 infection.

Implementing oncology clinical trials in Nigeria: a model for capacity building.

BACKGROUND: There is both higher mortality and morbidity from cancer in low and medium income countries (LMICs) compared with high income countries (HICs). Clinical trial activities and development of more effective and less toxic therapies have led to significant improvements in morbidity and mortality from cancer in HICs. Unfortunately, clinical trials remain low in LMICs due to poor infrastructure and paucity of experienced personnel to execute clinical trials. There is an urgent need to build local capacity for evidence-based treatment for cancer patients in LMICs. METHODS: We conducted a survey at facilities in four Teaching Hospitals in South West Nigeria using a checklist of information on various aspects of clinical trial activities. The gaps identified were addressed using resources sourced in partnership with investigators at HIC institutions. RESULTS: Deficits in infrastructure were in areas of patient care such as availability of oncology pharmacists, standard laboratories and diagnostic facilities, clinical equipment maintenance and regular calibrations, trained personnel for clinical trial activities, investigational products handling and disposals and lack of standard operating procedures for clinical activities. There were two GCP trained personnel, two study coordinators and one research pharmacist across the four sites. Interventions were instituted to address the observed deficits in all four sites which are now well positioned to undertake clinical trials in oncology. Training on all aspects of clinical trial was also provided. CONCLUSIONS: Partnerships with institutions in HICs can successfully identify, address, and improve deficits in infrastructure for clinical trial in LMICs. The HICs should lead in providing funds, mentorship, and training for LMIC institutions to improve and expand clinical trials in LMIC countries.

Causes and remedies for low research productivity among postgraduate scholars and early career researchers on non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the descriptive, cross sectional, questionnaire-based study reported here was to explore the causes of low productivity in non-communicable diseases research among postgraduate scholars and early career researchers in Nigeria and identify measures that could facilitate increased research output. RESULTS: The 89 respondents were masters-level, doctoral scholars and resident doctors who attended a workshop. Majorities of the respondents (over 70%) either agreed or strongly agreed that factors contributing to poor non-communicable diseases research productivity include a dearth of in-country researchers with specialized skills, inability of Nigerian researchers to work in multidisciplinary teams, poor funding for health research, sub-optimal infrastructural facilities, and limited use of research findings by policy makers. Almost all the respondents (over 90%) agreed that potential strategies to facilitate non-communicable diseases research output would include increased funding for research, institutionalization of a sustainable, structured capacity building program for early career researchers, establishment of Regional Centers for Research Excellence, and increased use of research evidence to guide government policy actions and programs.

Household Air Pollution, Levels of Micronutrients and Heavy Metals in Cord and Maternal Blood, and Pregnancy Outcomes.

Cooking with kerosene emits toxic pollutants that may impact pregnancy outcomes. Sixty-eight women in their first trimester of pregnancy, kerosene users (n = 42) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) users (n = 26), were followed until birth. Maternal and cord blood were collected immediately after birth. Levels of micronutrients and heavy metals were quantified. Pregnancy outcomes (gestation age (GA), birth weight (BW), and chest and head circumference) were also measured. Mean (± standard deviation (SD)) age of mothers in kerosene and LNG groups were similar (p = 0.734). Mean (±SD) BW of newborns of LNG users was significantly higher compared to newborns of kerosene users (3.43 ± 0.32 vs. 3.02 ± 0.43, p < 0.001). Mean GA (in weeks) was similar between the two groups (p = 0.532). Women in the kerosene group had significantly higher cord blood levels of zinc, lead, mercury, iodine and vitamin B6 and lower levels of folic acid compared to LNG users (p < 0.05). Newborns of kerosene users had reduced levels of zinc, lead, mercury, iodine, vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid, and homocysteine compared with LNG users (p < 0.05). Also, cooking with kerosene was significantly associated with reduced birth weight after adjusting for potential confounders (ß ± standard error (SE) = -0.326 ± 0.155; p = 0.040). Smoke from kerosene stove was associated with reduced birth weight and micronutrients imbalance in mothers and newborns.

A Vegetable, Launaea taraxacifolia, Mitigated Mercuric Chloride Alteration of the Microanatomy of Rat Brain.

Mercuric chloride is an environmental pollutant that affects the nervous systems of mammals. Oxidative damage is one of the mechanisms of its toxicity, and antioxidants should mitigate this effect. A vegetable with antioxidant activity is Launaea taraxacifolia, whose ethanolic extract (EELT) was investigated in this experiment to determine its effect against mercuric chloride (MC) intoxication in rat brain. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 6) as follows: control; propylene glycol; EELT (400 mg/kg bwt) for 19 days; MC (HgCl2) (4 mg/bwt) for 5 days from day 15 of the experiment; EELT+ MC, EELT (400 mg/kg bwt) for 14 days + MC (4 mg/bwt) for 5 days from day 15 of the experiment. All treatments were administered orally by gastric gavage. Behavioral tests were conducted on the 20th day, and rats were euthanized the same day. Blood and brain tissue were examined with regard to microanatomical parameters. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance with statistical significance set at p < .05. MC induced significant (19%) reduction of thrombocytes, which was ameliorated by 57% (p < .05) by pretreatment with EELT when compared with the MC group. Behavioral results showed that MC elicited significant reduction in transitions, rearings, forelimb grip strength, and latency of geotaxis. Histologically, MC induced alterations in the microanatomy of cerebral cortex, dentate gyrus, cornu ammonis 3, and cerebellum of rats. Treatment with EELT prior to MC administration significantly reduced the effect of MC on the hematological, behavioral, and ameliorated histological alterations of the brain. These findings may be attributed partially to the antioxidant property of EELT, which demonstrated protective effects against MC-induced behavioral parameters and alteration of microanatomy of rats' cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. In conclusion, EELT may be a valuable agent for further investigation in the prevention of acute neuropathy caused by inorganic mercury intoxication.

Household biomass fuel use, asthma symptoms severity, and asthma underdiagnosis in rural schoolchildren in Nigeria: a cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: In 2014, the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) reported that the highest prevalence of symptoms of severe asthma was found in the low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Nigeria. While exposure to biomass fuel use may be an important risk factor in the development of asthma, its association with asthma symptoms severity has not been well-established. The aim of this study is to extend the spectrum of environmental risk factors that may be contributing towards increasing asthma morbidity, especially asthma symptoms severity in rural schoolchildren in Nigeria and to examine possible asthma underdiagnosis among this population. METHODS: Authors conducted a cross-sectional survey in three rural communities in Nigeria. Asthma symptoms were defined according to the ISAAC criteria. Information on the types of household fuel used for cooking was used to determine household cooking fuel status. Asthma symptoms severity was defined based on frequencies of wheeze, day- and night-time symptoms, and speech limitations. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore associations. RESULTS: A total of 1,690 Nigerian schoolchildren participated in the study. Overall, 37 (2.2%) had diagnosed asthma and 413 (24.4%) had possible asthma (asthma-related symptoms but not diagnosed asthma). Children from biomass fuel households had higher proportion of possible asthma (27.7 vs. 22.2%; p < 0.05) and symptoms of severe asthma (18.2 vs. 7.6%; p = 0.048). In adjusted analyses, biomass fuel use was associated with increased odds of severe symptoms of asthma [odds ratios (OR) = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.16-4.84], but not with possible asthma (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 0.95-1.56). CONCLUSION: In rural Nigerian children with asthma symptoms, the use of biomass fuel for cooking is associated with an increased risk of severe asthma symptoms. There is additional evidence that rural children might be underdiagnosed for asthma.

Effect of a clean stove intervention on inflammatory biomarkers in pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to household air pollution (HAP) has been linked to systemic inflammation. We determined the impact of transition from traditional firewood/kerosene stove to bioethanol-burning stove on inflammatory biomarkers in pregnant Nigerian women. METHODS: Women (n=324), cooking with kerosene/firewood, were recruited during their first trimester of pregnancy from June 2013-October 2015 and were randomly allocated to either control (n=162) or intervention (n=162) group using web-based randomization. Controls continued to use their own firewood/kerosene stove, while intervention participants received bioethanol CleanCook stoves. Serum concentrations of retinol-binding protein (RBP), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: After excluding 53 women (loss of follow-up, untimely biomarker assessments, incorrect dates of enrollment), data from 271 women were included in analysis. Mean (SD) change in RBP, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 between baseline and third trimester was -2.16 (4.47), -19.6 (46.4), 3.72 (37.2), 0.51 (14.4), and 13.2 (197), respectively, in intervention and -2.25 (4.30), -24.6 (43.6), 7.17 (32.6), -1.79, (11.4), and 31.3 (296) in control groups. None of these changes differed significantly between the two treatment arms. However, changes from baseline in TNF-α levels were significantly different between intervention and control groups in subset of women (n=99) using firewood before trial (-7.03 [32.9] vs. +12.4 [33.6]; 95% CI for group difference: -35.4 to -3.4, p=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Decrease in TNF-α concentration from baseline to third trimesters in intervention group women could indicate reduced cardiovascular stress and prothrombotic effects from decreased HAP. Our findings suggest that ethanol-burning stoves may mitigate cardiovascular health risks.

Biomass fuel exposure and asthma symptoms among rural school children in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 70% of rural Nigerian households rely on biomass fuels for cooking. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) estimates the prevalence of current wheeze among children in Nigeria to have risen from 10.7% in 1999 to approximately 20% in 2014. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of biomass smoke exposure on asthma symptom prevalence in rural children in Nigeria. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in rural communities in Nigeria. Asthma symptoms were defined according to ISAAC definitions. Biomass smoke exposure was determined by the types of fuel used for cooking. Logistic regression was used to explore associations between biomass smoke and asthma symptoms. RESULTS: The study population comprised 1,690 school children, of which 865 lived in households cooking with biomass and 825 lived in households not using biomass. Asthma symptoms were reported in 481 (28.5%) children. Biomass fuel was associated with increased odds of asthma symptoms. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were 1.38 (95% CI: 1.05-1.80) for nocturnal cough, 1.26 (95% CI: 1.00-1.61) for current wheeze, and 1.33 (95% CI: 1.05-1.69) for report of any asthma-related symptoms. Sex modified the associations between asthma symptoms with biomass fuel: aORs were stronger and significant for males (nocturnal cough = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.24-2.76; current wheeze = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.03-2.13; report of any asthma-related symptoms = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.12-2.28), but weaker and non-significant for females. CONCLUSION: The risk of asthma symptoms related to biomass smoke exposure appears to differ by sex.

Innate Cellular Immunity in Newly Diagnosed Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients and During Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Leukocyte migration (LM) and intracellular killing aspects of the innate immune response play important roles in protection against and containment and cure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, and thus may be exploited as immunotherapeutic targets to improve the management and treatment outcomes of patients with tuberculosis (TB). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess LM and mediators of intracellular killing in patients with TB at the time of diagnosis and during anti-TB chemotherapy and compare them with apparently healthy controls. METHODS: We recruited 24 patients who were newly diagnosed with pulmonary TB and 20 apparently healthy individuals. Blood was drawn from patients with TB at the time of diagnosis, and after 2, 4, and 6 months of anti-TB chemotherapy and control. In vitro percentage LM (%LM) upon stimulation with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine, percentage nitroblue tetrazolium (%NBT) reduction, plasma concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and nitric oxide (NO) were assessed in both groups. FINDINGS: Percentage NBT was significantly reduced in patients with TB at 2 months of anti-TB chemotherapy compared with patients at diagnosis and in healthy controls, whereas %LM was significantly increased in patients at 4 months of anti-TB chemotherapy compared with patients at diagnosis and controls. Mean plasma H2O2 and NO were significantly reduced in patients at diagnosis and throughout the period of anti-TB chemotherapy compared with the control group. Significant decreases were demonstrated in mean plasma H2O2 and NO in patients at 2 and 4 months of anti-TB chemotherapy, respectively, compared with patients at diagnosis. There was significant positive correlation between %NBT with plasma H2O2 and NO, but %LM was negatively correlated with plasma H2O2 in this group. CONCLUSION: The intracellular killing aspect of innate cellular immunity is deficient in patients with TB, especially 2 to 4 months after commencement of treatment. Therefore, measures (eg, arginine supplementation) to improve intracellular killing in these patients is advocated. Moreover, %LM assay with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine as an antigen may be used to differentiate those newly diagnosed patients from those on anti-TB chemotherapy.

Serum Levels of Cytokines and IgE in Helminth-Infected Nigerian Pregnant Women and Children.

BACKGROUND: Helminth infection is an important health challenge. Because of modulation of the immune response toward T-helper 2 (Th2) cells, the immunologic interplay that manifest during the coexistence of helminth infection with other conditions is still poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: This study determined the pattern of alteration in selected cytokines and immunoglobulin E (IgE) in pregnant women, preschool aged children, and school-aged children with helminth infection compared with uninfected groups. METHODS: Seventeen pregnant women, 42 preschool-aged children, and 60 school-aged children with helminth infection (HI) were recruited into this study. They were matched with 21 pregnant women, 42 preschool-aged children, and 50 school-aged children without helminth infection (HN) who served as controls. Venous blood samples were collected from each participant and analyzed for serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IgE. Statistical analysis was done using the Student t test, and P < .05 was considered as statistically significant. FINDINGS: Only serum level of IgE was significantly elevated in HI pregnant women compared with HN pregnant women. In HI preschool- and school-aged children, serum levels of IL-8, IL-6, and IgE were significantly elevated compared with HN children. However, preschool- and school-aged children with HI had similar levels of serum TNF-α and IL-10 compared with their corresponding HN groups. CONCLUSIONS: It could be concluded that altered cytokines expression in children and pregnant women with helminth infection might have some implications on need for deworming programs to improve pregnancy outcomes and vaccine responses.

Serum Micronutrients in Helminth-infected Pregnant Women and Children: Suggestions for Differential Supplementation During Anti-helminthic Treatment.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of helminth infection, which is known to affect nutritional status of the host, varies with age. The complex interplay between ages, nutrient requirements, and infection necessitated the need to recommend micronutrient supplementation during helminth infection among different age groups. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of alteration in selected micronutrients in pregnant women and preschool- and school-aged children with helminth infection. METHODS: We screened 245 pregnant women and 349 children for helminth infection. Of these, 17 (6.9%) pregnant women and 102 (29.2%) children (42 preschool- and 60 school-aged) had helminth infection. Only Ascaris lumbricoides was found in pregnant women, whereas the children had A lumbricoides, hookworm, Fasciola hepatica, and Trichuris trichiura infections. The helminth-infected (HI) pregnant women, preschool-aged children, and school-aged children were matched with helminth-negative (HN) pregnant women (n = 21), preschool-aged children (n = 42), and school-aged children (n = 50) who served as controls. Venous blood samples were obtained and analyzed for iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and vitamins A and C. Statistical analysis was done using Student's t test, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. FINDINGS: Serum levels of Fe, Zn, and Se were significantly lower in HI pregnant women than HN pregnant women. In preschool-aged children, serum levels of Fe, Zn, and vitamin A were significantly lower in the HI than in the HN group. Similarly, serum levels of Zn and vitamin A were significantly lower in HI school-aged children than in the HN group. However, serum levels of Se were significantly higher in HI children (both age groups) than in the corresponding HN group. CONCLUSION: Helminth infection alters different types of micronutrients in children and pregnant women. Results from the present study therefore suggest monitoring Fe, Zn, or vitamin A supplementation with an anti-helminthic regimen.

Renal corpuscles were protected from dichlorvos: induced morphological alterations in rats by antioxidant vitamins / Protección de corpúsculos renales ante alteraciones morfológicas inducidas por el diclorvos en ratas mediante el uso de vitaminas antioxidantes

Dichlorvos (DDVP), an organophosphorus pesticide is a volatile compound which enters the human body through oral, dermal and inhalational routes and is excreted via the kidney. This study assessed the effects of DDVP on the histology of the kidney. Twenty five male rats (75.05 ± 5.55 g) were divided into 5 groups of 5 rats per group as follows: Unexposed group, exposure to DDVP alone for 5 weeks, and 3 other groups exposed to DDVP for 5 weeks in addition to supplement with Vitamin E, vitamin C, and red palm oil (RPO). Rats were exposed to DDVP in poorly ventilated cardboard cages for 4 hours daily. On completion of exposure, rats were euthanized and tissue processed by routine paraffin wax method and stained with H&E. Morphological alterations monitored by histological and morphometric studies using the graticule and software packages. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and p<0.05 considered as significant. DDVP caused significant reduction (10%) in the maximum glomerular diameter and 18% reduction in the maximum width of the renal corpuscle when compared with unexposed rats. However, VTE, VTC, and RPO significantly elevated the maximum glomerular diameter by 21%, 22%, 23% the respectively. Similarly, VTE, VTC, and RPO significantly elevated the maximum width of the renal corpuscle by 17%, 19%, 20% respectfully. Glomerular tuft cellularity was neither affected by DDVP treatment nor by vitamin augmentation. Inhaled DDVP caused histological alterations in the microscopic anatomy of renal corpuscles of rat which was mitigated by vitamin supplementation. Data suggest involvement of prolonged DDVP use in the aetiology of renal failure.

El diclorvos (DDVP), un pesticidas organofosforado, es un compuesto volátil que entra en el cuerpo humano a través de la vía oral, dérmica y por rutas inhalación, excretándose por vía renal. Este estudio evaluó los efectos histológicos del DDVP sobre el riñón. Veinticinco ratas machos (75,05±5,55 g) se dividieron en 5 grupos de 5 ratas cada uno: grupo no expuesto, expuesto a DDVP durante 5 semanas, y otros 3 grupos expuestos a DDVP durante 5 semanas, suplementados con vitamina E (VTE), vitamina C (VTC) y aceite de palma roja (APR). Las ratas fueron expuestas a DDVP en jaulas de cartón con poca ventilación por 4 horas diarias. Al término de la exposición, las ratas se sacrificaron y el tejido fue procesado para inclusión en parafina y tinción con H&E. Las alteraciones morfológicas se evaluaron mediante estudios histológicos y morfométricos utilizando retículas y software. Los datos se analizaron con la prueba ANOVA considerado un p<0,05 como significativo. El DDVP causó una reducción significativa (10%) en el diámetro máximo glomerular y ancho máximo del copúsculo renal (18%), en comparación con las ratas no expuestas. Sin embargo, el diámetro máximo glomerular fue significativamente elevado con VTE, VTC y APR en 21%, 22% y 23%, respectivamente, así como para el ancho máximo del corpúsculo renal por 17%, 19% y 20%, respectivamente. La celularidad de la red glomerular no fue afectada por el DDVP ni aumentó con el tratamiento de vitamina. El DDVP inhalado provocó alteraciones histológicas en la anatomía microscópica de los corpúsculos renales de rata, las que fueron mitigadas por la suplementación de vitamina. Los datos sugieren relación entre la exposición prolongada a DDVP y la etiología de la insuficiencia renal.

Total antioxidant potential and essential trace metals in the breast milk and plasma of Nigerian human immunodeficiency virus-infected lactating mothers.

BACKGROUND: The effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) on the immune system is well documented however; its impact on the nutritional and immunological qualities of the breast milk is scarce. AIM: Levels of some essential trace metals, albumin and antioxidant status in the plasma and breast milk of Nigerian HIV-infected lactating mothers were determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Essential trace metals and total antioxidant potential were measured using spectrophotometric method while albumin was measured using single radial immunodiffusion technique. RESULTS: Only the mean plasma level of albumin in HIV infected lactating mothers (HIM) was significantly reduced when compared with HIV free lactating mothers (HFM) [9.39 (4.46) g/L vs 26.18 (18.43) g/L, P=0.000], others had no significant difference. The mean breast milk levels of total antioxidant potential (1776.82(564.26) µmolTE/L vs. 2384.67 (679.00) µmolTE/L, P = 0.0000), Cu [67.68 (5.04) µg/dL vs. 71.10 (5.45) µg/dL, P = 0.033] and Fe [66.21 (6.31) µg/dL vs. 71.20 (6.48) µg/dL, P = 0.011] were significantly reduced in HIM compared with HFM. No significant differences were observed in other parameters. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded from this study that hypoalbuminemia is a feature of HIV-infected lactating mothers and that breast milk of HIM has low antioxidant capacity.

Relationship between household air pollution from biomass smoke exposure, and pulmonary dysfunction, oxidant-antioxidant imbalance and systemic inflammation in rural women and children in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to particulate matter from burning biomass fuels is believed to affect oxidant-antioxidant balance and to induce oxidative stress. METHODS: Fifty-nine mother-child pairs from 59 households that used firewood exclusively for cooking in three rural communities in southwest Nigeria underwent blood test for albumin, pre-albumin, retinol-binding protein (RBP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), vitamins C, vitamin E, malondialdehyde (MDA) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Spirometry was performed and indoor levels of PM2.5 were determined. RESULTS: Mean age (± SD; years) of mothers and children was 43.0±11.7 and 13.6±3.2, respectively. The median indoor PM2.5 level was 1575.1 µg/m3 (IQR 943.6--2847.0, p<0.001), which is substantially higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 25 µg/m3. The mean levels of pre-albumin (0.21±0.14 g/dL) and RBP (0.03±0.03 g/dL) in women were significantly lower than their respective normal ranges (1-3 g/dL and 0.2-0.6 g/dL, respectively, p<0.05). Similarly, the mean levels of pre-albumin (0.19±0.13 g/dL) and RBP (0.01±0.01 g/dL) in children were significantly lower than the respective normal ranges (1-3 g/dL and 0.2-0.6 g/dL, respectively, p<0.05). Mean serum concentrations of MDA in children (5.44±1.88 µmol/L) was positively correlated to serum concentrations of CRP (r=0.3, p=0.04) and negatively correlated to lung function (FEV1/FVC) in both mothers and children (both r=-0.3, p<0.05). Also, regression analysis indicates that CRP and SOD are associated with lung function impairment in mothers (-2.55±1.08, p<0.05) and children (-5.96±3.05, p=0.05) respectively. CONCLUSION: Exposure to HAP from biomass fuel is associated with pulmonary dysfunction, reduced antioxidant defense and inflammation of the airways. Further studies are needed to better define causal relationships and the mechanisms involved.

Essential trace metals and heavy metals in newly diagnosed schizophrenic patients and those on anti-psychotic medication.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional deprivation in the early stage of life increases the risk of developing schizophrenia. Oxidative stress, disturbed thinking and irrational behavior which are common to schizophrenic patients may be a result of changes in the levels of certain trace metals. METHODS: Twenty (20) healthy volunteers and a total of thirty-five (35) schizophrenic patients consisting of 20 on antipsychotic drugs for at least 2 weeks and 15 newly diagnosed but not taking antipsychotic drugs were considered. The plasma levels of trace metals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Fe and Se were significantly reduced in newly diagnosed and medicated-schizophrenic patients compared with controls. Pb, Cd and Cr were significantly raised in newly diagnosed drug free schizophrenic patients compared with controls. While Cr and Cd were significantly raised in schizophrenic patients on treatment compared with the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Levels of certain nutritionally essential trace metals (Fe and Se) were reduced while levels of certain heavy metals (Pb, Cr and Cd) were raised in schizophrenic patients.

C1 inhibitor, C3 activator, IgG, IgA, and IgM titers in Nigerian sickle cell disease patients with plasmodium falciparum.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (HbSS) is a major health problem in Nigeria and malaria has been implicated as a leading cause of morbidity/mortality in sickle cell disease patients. Few reasons were put forward to explain the observed morbidity/mortality of HbSS subjects due to Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria. OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of immunoglobulin classes (IgM, IgA, and IgG) and regulators of complement system (C1 inhibitor and C3 activator) in Nigerian HbSS patients with and without P. falciparum parasitemia. METHODS: A total of 64 subjects were considered, including 10 HbSS genotypic subjects with P. falciparum parasitemia (HbSS+PfM), 18 HbAA genotypic subjects with P. falciparum parasitemia (HbAA+PfM), 20 HbSS without P. falciparum parasitemia (HbSS-PfM), and 16 HbAA genotypic subjects without P. falciparum parasitemia (HbAA-PfM). IgM, IgA, IgG, C1 inhibitor, and C3 activator titers were quantified by single radial immunodiffusion method. RESULTS: The mean levels of IgG in HbSS+PfM (2373.90+/-1772.81mg/dl) and HbAA+PfM (1868.80+/-0.00mg/dl) were significantly higher compared with HbSS-PfM (644.55+/-171.15mg/dl) or HbAA-PfM (659.75+/-158.01mg/dl) patients. HbAA-PfM subjects had the lowest level of IgM (67.27+/-63.7mg/dl), though no significant difference was observed comparing mean levels of IgM between the four groups. IgA titer was significantly higher in HbSS-PfM patients (249.00+/-94.8mg/dl) compared with HbAA-PfM (p<0.05), HbAA+PfM (p<0.05), or HbSS+PfM (p<0.05). The mean values of C1 inhibitor were lower in HbSS+PfM and HbAA+PfM compared with HbSS-PfM or HbAA-PfM. However, HbAA+PfM had a significantly lower value of C1 inhibitor compared with HbAA-PfM (p<0.01). C3 activator was highest in HbSS-PfM (17.10+/-7.35mg/dl) and was significantly higher compared with HbSS+PfM (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Increased C1 inhibitor and decreased C3 activator in HbSS+PfM compared with HbAA+PfM shows that deranged regulation of complement factors may be responsible for increased susceptibility of HbSS to P. falciparum malaria.

Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins and acute phase proteins in Nigerian women with preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition that increases maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. It is diagnosed based on a triad of hypertension, significant proteinuria and rapidly increasing edema during gestation. The factors that initiate preeclampsia are unknown and still a subject of intense clinical research. The objective of this study is to provide additional immunological information about preeclampsia. To achieve this, humoral immunochemical parameters such as three classes of immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG and IgM) and three acute phase proteins (alpha 2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin and transferrin) were measured by single radial immunodifussion method in 32 pregnant women with preeclampsia, 36 pregnant women without preeclampsia and 24 non-pregnant women (controls). Total protein in the urine was also determined by spectrophotometric method. In women with preeclampsia, the levels of IgG, IgA, transferrin and alpha 2-macroglobulin were significantly reduced compared with subjects with normal pregnancy, but the level of haptoglobin was significantly raised in preeclampsia compared with women having normal pregnancy. Urinary total protein and IgG were significantly raised in Nigerian women with preeclampsia compared with non-pregnant controls. There were significant negative correlations between serum IgG, IgA and urinary protein. The possible involvement of immunoglobulins and acute phase proteins in preeclampsia is discussed.