Knowledge, perception, and interest regarding biotechnology among secondary school students in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

A survey was carried out to investigate the knowledge, perception and interest of secondary school students about biotechnology. A total of 334 questionnaires were distributed to students in Senior Secondary 3 classes from eight secondary schools within Calabar metropolis. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 7.5. Results revealed 105 (34.21%) of students had limited knowledge of medical biotechnology, genetic engineering and genetically modified products. 91 (30.03%) of the students agreed that biotechnology is the use of living organisms to produce goods and services while 102 (33.41%) accepted that biotechnology is a new technology based on biology 62 (20.39%) were willing to embrace the applications of biotechnology. 152 (50.03%) do not agree that biotech will improve services for mankind; 90 (29.51) had no idea about the applications of biotechnology; 31 (10.24%) students disagreed that cloning results in perfectly identical individuals while the highest positive responses; 92 (30.31%) was recorded for questions regarding in vitro fertilization. The students also showed a very low interest 76 (25%) in pursuing biotechnology as a degree in the University. Generally students' knowledge, perception, and interest in Biotechnology were low among Secondary School students in Calabar. There is a need to immediately increase enlightenment and emphasis on the applications of biotechnology among Secondary school students to enable them appreciate the benefits of biotechnology.

Insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene and the risk of hypertension among residents of two cities, South-South Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a public health challenge due to its high prevalence, and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study was designed to determine the frequency of the I/D polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene and its association with hypertension in a sample population of Calabar and Uyo, South-South Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population-based case control design consisting of total of 1224 participants, 612 each of patients and controls, were randomly recruited from hypertension clinics and the general population. The I/D polymorphism was investigated using polymerase chain reaction. Multiple regression and odds ratio (OR) was applied to test whether the ID genotypes were predictors of hypertension. RESULTS: The I/D genotype frequencies were 73(12%), 262(43%) and 277(45%); 74(12%), 303(50%) and 235(38%) for the II, ID, DD genotype in patient and control groups, respectively. A higher frequency of the ID genotype was observed in controls of which 208(61%) were females. By multiple regression analysis, age was a predictor for SBP in patients, r = 0.596, and DBP in controls, r = 0.555. Gender, Body mass index, I/D genotypes were not significant predictors for hypertension but the I/D polymorpism was associated with an increased risk for hypertension with an OR of 1.15 95%CI (0.924-1.456). CONCLUSION: The I/D polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene was a risk factor for hypertension in the sample population of Calabar and Uyo. This research will form baseline information for subsequent molecular studies in this population.

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor A1166C gene polymorphism and essential hypertension in Calabar and Uyo cities, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: The angiotensin II protein is a vasoconstrictor that exerts most of its influence through the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). Inconsistent association between the A1166C polymorphism of the AT1R gene and hypertension has been reported among various populations but not among the peoples of Calabar and Uyo. This study was designed to determine the frequency of the A1166C polymorphism of the AT1R gene and its association with hypertension in a sample population of Calabar and Uyo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population-based case control design consisting of total of 1224 participants, 612 each of patients and controls were randomly recruited from hypertension clinics and the general population. Genotyping of the A1166C allele of the AT1R gene to identify variants was performed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion. Multiple regressions were applied to test whether the A1166 genotypes were predictors of hypertension. RESULTS: 99% of the study population had the wild type AA genotype, and 1% was AC heterozygous carriers of the A1166C polymorphism. CONCLUSION: The A1166C polymorphism was not a predictor of hypertension in the sample population of Calabar and Uyo.