Serum immunoglobulins, C-reactive protein, and trace element level in preeclamptic Nigerian subjects.

Background: The mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) remains uncertain, and the research into a better understanding, its possible prediction, and subsequent prevention continues. Aim: This study evaluated changes in serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM), C-reactive protein, and trace elements (Zn, Cu, and Mn) in preeclamptic, normotensive pregnant, and non-pregnant females. Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted among 150 subjects consisting of 50 preeclamptic subjects, 50 healthy normotensive pregnant women in their third trimester, and 50 non-pregnant women, all within the same age bracket. The serum concentration of the immunoglobulins and C-reactive protein were measured using standard immunoturbidimetric methods, whereas the trace elements were assayed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. Results: Serum IgG and IgM levels were observed to be significantly lower (P < 0.05) in preeclamptic subjects (101.22 ± 4.44 and 769.43 ± 1.43 mg/dl), respectively, when compared to the normotensive pregnant women (123.87 ± 1.81 and 881.71 ± 2.80 mg/dl), respectively. There was a non-significant difference in immunoglobulin A levels between the groups (P > 0.05). The C-reactive protein was significantly higher, whereas the trace elements were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in preeclamptic subjects compared to the normotensives. There was a positive correlation between the immunoglobulin G and Zn levels (r = 0.334; P = 0.046) and also between immunoglobulin G and C-reactive protein levels (r = 0.340; P = 0.043) and a negative correlation between systolic blood pressure and manganese levels in preeclamptic subjects (r = -0.375; P = 0.024). Conclusion: This study therefore reveals significantly lower levels of immunoglobulins and trace elements among the preeclamptic subjects. These micronutrient deficiencies and low levels of immunoglobulins could be risk factors for the development of high blood pressure and PE.

Comparison of the Diagnostic Relevance of Albumin Creatinine Ratio Versus Cystatin C in Assessment of Cardiovascular Complication in Type 2 Diabetics.

BACKGROUND: In a bid to reduce cardiovascular complication(s), surrogate markers such asAlbumin-creatinine ratio and Cystatin C (Cys-C) are being evaluated in order to enhance early management of cardiovascular complications of diabetes mellitus. AIM: Evaluation of the diagnostic relevance of Cystatin- C versusAlbumin-creatinine ratio in assessment of cardiovascular complications (CVC). METHODS: One hundred and two type 2 diabetic patients and 100 control subjects of same age range were recruited for this study. These were further classified according to cardiovascular complications. Cystatin-C, Microalbuminuria, serum creatinine, HBA1c and HBA1c were analysed with standard methods. RESULTS: The mean concentrations of Cys-C, Microalbuminuria and Albumin-creatinine ratio showed significant increase (p<0.05) in those with cardiovascular complication compared to those without cardiovascular complication. The ROC (receiver operator curve) showed thatAlbumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) had significant sensitivity to cardiovascular complication while Cystatin-C showed no significant sensitivity to cardiovascular complications. Logistic binary regression shows a significant association of ACR with cardiovascular complications unlike Cys-C which showed no significant association (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Cys-C and Albumin-Creatinine ratio increased in diabetics and further deranges with cardiovascular complications. However, Albumin-creatinine ratio showed more diagnostic sensitivity to cardiovascular complications compared to cystatin-C.

CONTEXTE: Dans le but de réduire les complications cardiovasculaires, des marqueurs de substitution tels que le rapport albumine-créatinine et la cystatine C (Cys-C) sont en cours d'évaluation afin d'améliorer la prise en charge précoce des complications cardiovasculaires du diabète sucré. BUT: Évaluation de la pertinence diagnostique du rapport CystatineC versus Albumine-créatinine dans l'évaluation des complications cardiovasculaires (CVC). MÉTHODES: Cent deux patients diabétiques de type 2 et 100 sujets témoins de la même tranche d'âge ont été recrutés pour cette étude. Ceux-ci ont été classés en fonction des complications cardiovasculaires. La cystatine-C, la microalbuminurie, la créatinine sérique, HBA1c et TSH ont été analysées avec des méthodes standard. RÉSULTATS: Les concentrations moyennes de Cys-C, de microalbuminurie et de rapport albumine-créatinine ont montré une augmentation significative (p <0,05) chez les personnes souffrant de complications cardiovasculaires par rapport à celles sans complications cardiovasculaires. La ROC (courbe de l'opérateur du récepteur) a montré que le rapport albuminecréatinine (ACR) avait une sensibilité significative aux complications cardiovasculaires tandis que la cystatine-C n'a montré aucune sensibilité significative aux complications cardiovasculaires. La régression logistique binaire montre une association significative de l'ACR avec des complications cardiovasculaires contrairement à Cys-C qui n'a montré aucune association significative (p <0,05). CONCLUSION: Le rapport Cys-C et albumine-créatinine a augmenté chez les diabétiques et dérange davantage avec des complications cardiovasculaires. Cependant, le rapport albumine-créatinine a montré une plus grande sensibilité diagnostique aux complications cardiovasculaires par rapport à la cystatine-C. MOTS CLÉS: Cystatine-C; Rapport albumine-créatinine; Diabète sucré, maladies cardiovasculaires.

EVALUATION OF MALE SEX HORMONES AND TRACE ELEMENTS IN MALE TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS ATTENDING NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL DIABETIC CLINICS.

BACKGROUND: There is accumulating evidence that the metabolism of male sex hormones and several trace elements are altered in type 2 diabetic mellitus and may have specific role in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. AIM: To assess the levels of male sex hormones and trace elements in type 2 diabetic patients and to ascertain an association between male sex hormones and trace elements among diabetic subjects. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 125 diabetic and 50 non diabetic subjects. Venous blood samples were collected from all respondents and estimated for fasting blood glucose, male sex hormones and trace elements. The results were subjected to statistical analysis and comparison using Students' test and Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: The mean testosterone level was significantly lower in diabetics than in controls (3.9 ± 1.9ng/ml) in comparison with (5.1 ± 1.7ng/ml; P < 0.05). The mean value of Zinc, Manganese, Selenium and Chromium were significantly lower among the diabetics when compared with the controls (Zn;898.7 ± 131.0 µg/l; Mn:0.30 ± 0.06 µg/l;Se:51.3 ± 11.1 µg/l; Cr: 0.04 ± 0.03 µg/I) in comparison with (Zn: 1007.3 ± 85.2 µg/l; Mn: 0.05 ± 0.07µg/l; Se: 62.1 ± 11.1 µg/l; Cr: 0.06 ± 0.01 µg/l; P < 0.05).The mean Fasting Blood Glucose in diabetic subjects was significantly higher when compared with the controls (7.9 ± 3.7 mmol/l) in comparison with (4.6 ± 0.4 mmol/l; P < 0.05).The trace elements showed a positive correlation with testosterone in diabetic subjects (Zn r = 0.359, Ser = 0.443, Mn r = 0.350, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study observed decreased levels of testosterone and trace elements in type 2 diabetics and a positive correlation between low testosterone and low trace elements levels in diabetic subjects. These trace elements are antioxidants and their low levels in diabetic patients may further increase the severity of the disease.

Evaluation of hormonal changes in menstrual cycle of women infected with pulmonary tuberculosis in Nnewi, south eastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to evaluate the hormonal changes in menstrual cycle of premenopausal women infected with pulmonary tuberculosis in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study involving sixty-seven (67) female participants within the child-bearing age were randomly recruited and grouped based on their tuberculosis status as: Symptomatic TB infected females (n=20), Symptomatic TB infected females on ATT (n=20) and Control females (n=27). After due consent, a detailed medical history was obtained and routine investigations of pulmonary tuberculosis and confirmation using Ziehl Neelsen and sputum culture techniques for AFB and chest x-ray were done. Blood samples collected from the participants were used for hormonal assay using immunoenzymometric method. RESULTS: The results showed that the serum levels of FSH and LH (IU/ml) were significantly higher while progesterone and estradiol were significantly lower in Symptomatic TB females compared to Symptomatic TB females on ATT at follicular and luteal phases of menstrual cycle (P<0.05). The serum levels of FSH and LH were significantly reduced in Symptomatic TB females on ATT while progesterone and estradiol were significantly increased at follicular and luteal phases of menstrual cycle (P<0.05). FSH was significantly higher at follicular phase while estradiol was significantly higher at luteal phase of menstrual cycle in Symptomatic TB females on ATT. CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis induced hypogonadism in affected women which seemed to be reversed on treatment. Routine investigation for Tuberculosis should be done for women presenting with infertility, since early treatment can reverse the abnormality.

Is diabetes patients' knowledge of laboratory tests for monitoring blood glucose levels associated with better glycaemic control?

AIM: To determine if there is any difference in indices of glycaemic control between type-2 diabetes patients who knew the laboratory tests for monitoring blood glucose and their peers who did not know. METHODS: Eighty-nine type-2 diabetes patients were studied after an overnight fast. The patients' bio-data, blood pressure, anthropometric indices and baseline biochemical parameters and glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were measured. After a breakfast of stewed boiled rice, a 2-hour postprandial blood glucose was measured and a questionnaire administered. RESULTS: The patients' mean ± SD HbA1c level was 8.6 ± 2.4% and none of the patients knew about HbA1c test for monitoring glycaemic control. Interestingly, patients who knew about fasting blood glucose test had significantly lower HbA1c values than their counterparts who did not know (8.1 ± 2.2 vs. 9.1 ± 2.5%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Diabetes self-management education incorporating laboratory-based information may assist to prevent poor glycaemic control in developing countries with increasing reports of hyperglycaemic emergencies.

Non Protease Inhibitor-Based Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) improves micromineral status in HIV positive Nigerians.

Introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved the prognosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The social burden of HIV infection in Nigeria is well appreciated, but the consequences of this infection and HAART on micro mineral status are unknown in Nigeria. We evaluated these effects in Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria. This prospective study involved 51 adult HIV positive patients (18-56 years). Serum selenium, magnesium and zinc were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry before and after 6 months on HAART. Results are presented as means while comparison of variables was done using paired t-tests. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Selenium, magnesium and zinc levels in the participants before HAART were 0.23±0.08 mmol/L, 104.61±24.16 mmol/L and 9.04±1.26 mmol/L respectively. Mineral levels 6 months after HAART were 0.25±0.08 mmol/L, 115.57±27.98 mmol/L and 9.41±1.23 mmol/L respectively. Selenium and magnesium levels significantly increased after 6 months on HAART (p < 0.05) while zinc level did not increase significantly (p> 0.05). HAART improved selenium and magnesium status of HIV patients but their zinc status remained the same.

Iron status of some pregnant women in Orlu town--eastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: High prevalence of anaemia has been reported among pregnant women especially in developing nations. This paper considers maternal haemoglobin (Hb) level, serum total iron, iron binding capacity, and serum ferritn iin antenatal women in Orlu-Imo State Nigeria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Haemoglobin level, serum iron, serum ferritin, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were measured in different trimesters among 90 pregnant women aged 20-45 years, on iron supplements attending antenatal clinic of Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu. First trimester comprised of 16.7% (n = 15), second trimester comprised of 50% (n = 45) while as third trimester comprised of 33.3% (n = 30). 30 non-pregnant women aged 26-40 years were used as controls. RESULT: The mean Hb level was 11.28 +/- 1.4 g/dl in first trimester, 9.51 +/- 1.9 g/dl in second trimester, 10.4 +/- 1.2 g/dl in third trimester, and 10.9 +/- 1.5 g/dl in controls. Mean serum iron level was 142 +/- 23 microg/ml in first trimester, 235 +/- 118 microg/ml in second trimester, 251 +/- 118 microg/ml in third trimester, and 99.7 +/- 19.4 microg/ml in controls. Mean serum ferritin was 57.7 +/- 30 ng/ml in first trimester, 37.6 +/- 17 ng/ml in second trimester, 37.3 +/- 20 ng/ml in third trimester, and 86.7 +/- 16.9 ng/ml in controls TIBC was 337 +/- 90 microg/dl in first trimester, 441 +/- 19 microg/dl in second trimester, 482 +/- 149 microg/dl in third trimester and 271.8 +/- 89.0 microg/ml in controls. Hb level was relatively stable in pregnancy, but was significantly (p < 0.05) lowest in the second trimester compared with controls Serum iron and TIBC progressively increased from first trimester to third trimester. Conversely, serum ferritin declined progressively from first trimester to third trimester. The increments in serum iron was statistically significant (p < 0.05) between first and second trimester, but not significant between second and third trimester. TIBC was significantly higher in third trimester compared with first trimester. Serum ferritin was significantly lower in second and third trimesters compared with controls. This implies a progressive mineral transfer from mother to fetus. TIBC and serum iron were significantly (p 0.05) lowest in non-pregnant controls compared with the three trimesters of pregnancy. Conversely ferritin was significantly (p < 0.05) higher among the non-pregnant controls compared with the three trimesters of pregnancy. This implies that the nonpregnant women had more iron store and had less iron need than their pregnant counterpart. The higher iron need in pregnancy necessitated its mobilization from its stores. CONCLUSION: This study encourages more critical antenatal care especially at second trimester of pregnancy with much emphasis on dietary supplementation of iron and minerals through adequate consumption of local vegetables and other food diets rich in iron. There was poorest antenatal attendance in the first trimester. Pregnant women in this environment should be encouraged to register early for antenatal care.

Selenium, zinc and magnesium status of HIV positive adults presenting at a university teaching hospital in Orlu-Eastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with increased nutrient requirement. Information on micro-mineral status in HIV infected in Nigerians is lacking. We evaluated the impact of HIV infection on selenium, zinc and magnesium status of HIV infected adults presenting at Imo State University Teaching Hospital. METHODOLOGY: Fifty one (51) consecutive adult HIV patients (aged 18-56 years), presenting at the HIV treatment unit of the hospital over a period of 3-months who gave informed written consent participated. Also 48 HIV sero-negative adults (aged 19-59 years) were recruited as controls. Blood samples were collected from all subjects for mineral estimation by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results were presented as means (+/- SD) and variables compared using unpaired t-test. RESULT: Selenium, zinc and magnesium levels in HIV patients were 0.23 +/- 0.08 mmol/L, 9.04 +/- 1.26 mmol/L and 104.61 +/- 24 mmol/L respectively. Minerals in controls were 0.29 +/- 0.09 mmol/L, 9.73 +/- 1.15 mmol/L and 125.57 +/- 29.55 mmol/L respectively. All minerals were significantly lower in HIV patients (P < 0.05). In male controls, mineral levels were 0.32 +/- 0.08 mmol/L, 9.97 +/- 2.96 mmol/L and 94.93 +/- 28.63 mmol/L respectively. In male HIV patients minerals were 0.02 +/- 0.06 mmol/L, 8.74 +/- 1.23 mmol/L and 93.42 +/- 19.79 mmol/L respectively. All minerals were significantly lower in male HIV patients than male controls. In female controls selenium, zinc and magnesium levels were 0.28 +/- 0.09 mml/L, 9.57 +/- 1.17 mmol/L and 121.39 +/- 29.89 mmol respectively. Minerals in female HIV patients were 0.25 +/- 0.08 mmol/L, 9.17 +/- 1.29 mmol/L and 110.77 +/- 24.42 mmol/L respectively. There were no significant differences in respective micro-mineral level between female controls and female HIV patients. CONCLUSION: Selenium, zinc and magnesium were depleted in HIV infected suburban Nigerian subjects. Depletion was predominant in males possibly due to better health seeking behavior of females than males causing early presentation in females.

Possible biochemical impact of malaria infection in subjects with HIV co-infection in Anambra state, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to determine possible contributory impact of malaria infection on some biochemical markers in subjects with HIV co-infection in order to know if they are adverse or protective. METHODS: Participants were recruited at the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Unit, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria and grouped into: (i) Malaria and HIV co-infection group (n = 45); and (ii) HIV infected group without concurrent malaria infection (n = 57). Standard laboratory methods were used for the HIV and Plasmodium falciparum antigen screening, malaria parasite density, CD4+ T-cell count, packed cell volume, white blood cell count, serum iron and albumin concentrations. RESULTS: The results showed that serum iron and albumin were significantly reduced and raised respectively in 'Malaria-HIV co-infection group' compared with 'HIV infection group' (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05). A positive association was observed between age and serum iron concentration in malaria and HIV co-infected group (r = 0.580; p < 0.05) while negative associations were observed between PCV and serum iron (r = - 0.388; p < 0.05) and between CD4+ T-cells and serum iron concentration (r = -0.362; p < 0.05) in malaria and HIV co-infected group. The CD4+ T-cell count, WBC count, PCV were not significantly different between the Malaria-HIV co-infection group and HIV infection group. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: In the present study serum iron and albumin concentrations were the most sensitive indicators that showed the contributory impact of malaria infection on biochemical index in HIV co-infected subjects. The findings suggest that at the defined stage of HIV infection in the present study, malaria co-infection may moderate the impact of HIV infection on iron metabolism and hepatic synthesis of albumin.

Immunodiagnosis of bovine trypanosomiasis in Anambra and Imo states, Nigeria, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay: zoonotic implications to human health.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of trypanosomiasis was studied in cattle, being a major source of animal protein in Nigeria, thus, a very likely means of spread of Human African Trypanosomosis (HAT). METHODS: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to diagnose bovine trypanosomiasis in 264 samples collected from adult cattle of mixed breeds, age and sex, in Anambra and Imo states, Nigeria. RESULTS: Out of 264 samples analysed, 21 (7.96%) were seropositive for Trypanosoma congolense while 20 (7.58%) were seropositive for T. vivax and 8 (3.03%) were seropositive for T. brucei infections in both the states. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The predominant species was found to be T. congolense. Mixed infection of three species, T. vivax, T. congolense and T. brucei was found to dominate other mixed infections in both the states. ELISA detected the infection of the three species of trypanosomes in the same group of animals. The usefulness of antigen capture ELISA in the diagnosis of human or animal trypanosomiasis was established, and the possibility of the spread of HAT caused by T. brucei gambiense and T.b. rhodesiense through cattle was expressed.

Prevalence of malaria as co-infection in HIV-infected individuals in a malaria endemic area of southeastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted on the prevalence of malaria as co-infection amongst 'asymptomatic HIV' and 'symptomatic HIV' subjects to see if such prevalence deviated from that commonly reported in apparently health individuals in same locality. METHODS: A prospective study that involved 196 participants grouped according to their HIV status as: 'asymptomatic HIV seropositive group' (n = 101); 'symptomatic HIV seropositive group' (n = 48) and 'control HIV-seronegative group (n = 47). Blood samples collected from the participants were used for double HIV screening by rapid immunoassay technique and immunochromatographic technique, and for the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria using rapid P. falciparum antigen detection method. RESULTS: The result showed that the prevalence of P. falciparum malaria as a co-infection amongst the asymptomatic HIV seropositive group was 12 (11.8%) and amongst the symptomatic HIV seropositive group was 16 (33.3%). However, the prevalence rate of P. falciparum malaria amongst the control HIV seronegative group was 5 (10.6%) and the combined burden of P. falciparum malaria amongst both groups of HIV seropositives was 28 (18.9%). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The present study observed different prevalence rates of P. falciparum malaria amongst the three groups. The prevalence was tripled in symptomatic HIV seropositive group. This shows a clear departure from possible obtainable prevalence of malaria infection alone in this malaria endemic area. Due to the mortality rates associated with malaria infection in an endemic area, it may be necessary that routine malaria screening be adopted as part of the management policy to check the co-infection.

Exercise performance in relation to glucose drink and their effect on some biochemical parameters.

This study was designed to determine the effect of glucose drink on marathon running and on some biochemical parameters. Seven untrained athletes (male students) participated in this study and were engaged in marathon running with and without intake of glucose drink (1 g/kg body weight) in a double blind procedure. Blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60 and 150 minutes for serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol and PCV estimation. There were significant increases in serum glucose (F=13.01) [P < 0.01]; and triglyceride (F=6.87); [P < 0.01] following pre-exercise glucose drink, while PCV remained unchanged with or without pre-exercise glucose drink. Greater than 80 % of the subjects covered more distance with glucose intake, than without glucose drink. It is concluded that carbohydrate intake prior to exercise may enhance exercise performance and spares glycogen and lipid utilization.

Malaria specific-IgG, inter-pregnancy intervals, birth weights and body mass index in cases of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Considerations of both inter-pregnancy intervals and malaria parasitaemia may help in understanding some aspects of susceptibility and pregnancy outcomes in malaria endemic areas. METHODS: Pregnant women with asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia were recruited and divided into groups based on their inter-pregnancy intervals and malaria specific-IgG, body mass index, and birth weights were studied in the groups. RESULTS: The results showed that the P. falciparum specific-IgG concentration (f=3.52, p<0.02), malaria parasites density (f=6.44, p<0.001) and birth weights (f=7.36, p<0.001) were significantly different amongst the groups with varying inter-pregnancy intervals. In addition, different levels of associations between variables such as 'inter-pregnancy intervals vs P. falciparum specific-IgG concentration' (r = 0.23, p<0.05); 'malaria parasites density vs birth weight' (r = -0.84, p < 0.01) was observed. INTERPRETATIONS & CONCLUSION: This study suggests that inter-pregnancy intervals could be one of the factors influencing dynamic serum concentrations of P. falciparum specific-IgG while malaria parasitaemia could be one of the factors affecting birth weights. Hence, observance of inter-pregnancy intervals has its own implications in malaria endemic areas.

Liver and renal function tests in artisans occupationally exposed to lead in mechanic village in Nnewi, Nigeria.

Additives in petroleum solvents have been reported to have adverse health implications. An evaluation study on some toxicological effects of occupational exposure to petroleum products (especially petrol which contains tetraethyl lead) amongst twenty five occupationally exposed artisans and twenty five graduate students of College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria as controls, was carried out using the following biochemical markers: electrolytes, urea, uric acid, inorganic phosphorus, creatinine, zinc and blood lead, as well as the activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, and alkaline phosphatase. The results showed that occupational exposure of human subjects to lead in petrol increases the concentrations of uric acid (357 +/- 123micro mol/L) and phosphate (1.5 +/- 0.5m mol/L) in exposed subjects compared with unexposed subjects (uric acid 228 +/- 105micro mol/L, phosphate 1.2 +/- 0.41m mol/L; p < 0.01 in both cases). Significantly lower activities were observed for alkaline phosphatase (66 +/- 18.9 iu/L). The activities of alanine aminotransferase (11.4 +/- 4.0 iu/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (15.8 +/- 4.4 iu/L) in occupationally exposed artisans were higher compared with unexposed subjects (alkaline phosphatase = 78 +/- 22.4 iu/L alanine aminotranferase = 6.8 +/- 2.7 iu/L, aspartate aminotranferase = 9.6 +/- 3.5i u+/-L; p < 0.01 in all cases). Occupational exposure of human subjects to lead significantly increased blood lead (59.6 +/- 15.9 microg/dL) and decreased plasma zinc (71.3 +/- 14.4 microg/L) in exposed compared with unexposed subjects (blood lead = 35 +/- 7 microg/dL, zinc = 108.4 +/- 16.9 microg/dL; p < 0.01). The results indicate that occupational exposure to lead in petrol may compromise liver and renal function.

Effects of high doses of magnesium in drinking water and voluntary wheel running on magnesium and calcium concentrations in rats.

The effect of high magnesium intake in addition to supplementation and voluntary wheel activity on magnesium and calcium homeostasis was investigated in rats. Thirty-six 5-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 9). Groups 2 and 4 received five hundred ppm of elemental magnesium as MgCl2 provided in drinking water. After 1 week of acclimatization and 4 weeks of supplement and/or exercise, the animals were fasted and sacrificed. It appears that magnesium supplementation as well as exercise played some significant role in the homeostatic changes of magnesium and calcium. This could be of great significance in better understanding of mineral homeostasis particularly in sports medicine.

Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia amongst pregnant women.

Two hundred and forty-six apparently healthy pregnant women aged 19-40 years, without symptoms were recruited (147 recruited during the dry season and 99 recruited during the rainy season) for the present study. Blood examinations for malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum specific-IgG concentration and serological reactivity with P. falciparum-histidine rich protein-2 (HRP-2) antigens were conducted on all the pregnant women during the dry and rainy seasons of the year. During the dry season, 109 (74%) of the recruited pregnant women without symptoms had P. falciparum parasitaemia, while 79 (80%) of the recruited pregnant women without symptoms had P. falciparum parasitaemia during the rainy season. However, the P. falciparum malaria parasites density was significantly raised during the dry season compared with that of in the rainy season (p < 0.05). Serological analysis with P. falciparum histidine rich protein-2 antigen (HRP-2) showed 108 (73%) and 71 (77%) of the pregnant women without symptoms as seropositive during the dry and rainy seasons respectively. The P. falciparum specific-IgG concentration was similar during both seasons in the HRP-2 seropositive pregnant women without symptoms (p > 0.05). The results showed no seasonal tide in the incidences of asymptomatic P. falciparum parasitaemia; however, the significantly raised parasitaemia during the dry season may suggest possible increased parasites tolerance. The P. falciparum specific-IgG concentration during both seasons may not be the primary effector mechanism offering tolerance in asymptomatic parasitaemia in pregnant women.