Evaluation of antibiotic use and analysis of ciprofloxacin and gentamicin residue in fish samples from farms in Lagos, Nigeria.

Antibiotic use in aquaculture for increase yield has been established over time; however, consumption of such fish may lead to inadvertent intake of sub therapeutic doses of antibiotics. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the extent of antibiotic use in fish farming and ciprofloxacin and gentamicin residues in fish that are consumed in Lagos, Nigeria. It was conducted in two parts: a survey of 60 fish producers to assess their use of antibiotics and an analysis of ciprofloxacin and gentamicin residues in fish organs using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The survey found that twenty-nine (48%) of the farms used antibiotics, with oxytetracycline being the most common (20%), followed by ciprofloxacin (15%); gentamicin (5%); neomycin (8.33%); and probiotics (13%). HPLC analysis of fish liver and fillet samples showed that Lagos Island had the lowest residual ciprofloxacin dose (0.3014ug/g), while Lagos mainland had the greatest residual ciprofloxacin dosage (113.78765ug/g). The mean gentamicin residue in flesh of fish from farms in Lagos Island LGA was 0.37ug/g while that obtained for liver of fish samples from Surulere LGA was 2.12ug/g). The largest (5.3240ug/g) and lowest (0.2661ug/g) residual gentamicin antibiotic concentrations were found in fishes harvested from farms located in Surulere and Lagos Island, respectively. The residue levels were within the permitted range set by the WHO, but continuous regulatory surveillance is necessary to prevent antimicrobial resistance spread and improved food safety. The study has revealed that fish produced in the study area contained residues of the commonly used antibiotics hence farmers should be encouraged to consult veterinarians in cases of disease treatment for judicious use of antibiotics while self-medication and purchase of antibiotics from vendors should be discouraged.

High Risk of Drug-drug interactions among Hospitalized Patients with kidney Diseases at a Nigerian Teaching Hospital: A Call for Action.

BACKGROUND: Potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are increasingly common in clinical practice, especially among individuals with chronic conditions, such as chronic kidney dysfunction. However, data relating to DDIs among chronically ill patients are limited in Nigeria. We, therefore, investigated the prevalence and pattern of DDIs among patients with kidney diseases on admission at a tertiary hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study involving 61 adults with kidney diseases and on admission in medical wards of the study center, over a 3-month period. Data extractions were with a purposefully designed pro forma to extract relevant data on demographic, clinical, and dosing regimens of the prescribed drugs for individual patients. Potential DDIs were identified, and their severity was rated using the MICROMEDEX® software database (IBM® Watson-Truven Health Analytics), which is available online with limited access. RESULTS: Of the 61 patients evaluated, majority were males (34; 55.7%), were elderly (26; 42.6%), and had chronic kidney disease Stage 3 (40; 65.5%). The most common cause of kidney disease was hypertension (20; 32.8%). Out of the 542 prescriptions received by the patients, potential DDI was observed in 508 (93.7%) prescriptions. Clinically significant drug interactions (CSDIs) were detected in 486 (85.7%) prescriptions. Pharmacodynamic DDIs (466; 91.7%) were the most common. Pill burden exceeding 25 pills/day was present in nine (14.8%) patients. The severities of the potential DDIs were major (135; 24.9%), moderate (333; 61.4%), and minor (38; 7.1%). Only two different potential DDIs were rated X (contraindicated). CONCLUSION: Exposure to drugs with potential DDIs was very common among patients with kidney diseases. Most of the CSDIs observed were of major severity. The use of DDI checker before prescribing drugs for individuals with kidney diseases could avert clinically significant interactions.

Role for monoaminergic systems in the antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of the hydroethanolic leaf extract from Adenia cissampeloides.

BACKGROUND: Adenia cissampeloides (Planch ex. Hook) Harms (Passifloraceae) leaf infusion is used in traditional African medicine as a stimulant to treat depression and insanity. Thus, this study investigates antidepressant and anxiolytic activities of the hydroethanol leaf extract of Adenia cissampeloides (ACE) in mice. METHODS: ACE (50-200 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered to mice 1 h before behavioral studies; the forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), elevated-plus maze test (EPM) hole-board test (HBT) and open field test (OFT). In addition, the probable mechanisms of antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like actions of ACE were also investigated. RESULTS: ACE (100 and 200 mg/kg) produced significant (p<0.01) reduction in immobility, along with a significant increase in swimming activity (75.20%) and climbing (190.00%), respectively, similar to anti-immobility effect of imipramine in the FST. Also, in TST, ACE (100 and 200 mg/kg) treatment significantly (p<0.01) reduced the immobility time by 35.60%, and 35.27%, respectively, which was similar to anti-immobility effect of fluoxetine (32.50%). However, the antidepressant-like effect produced by ACE was prevented (p<0.01) by yohimbine (α2-adrenoceptor antagonist), or sulpiride (dopamine D2 receptor antagonist) pretreatment. ACE (50 and 100 mg/kg) treatment (p<0.01) increased number (41.67%) and duration of head-dips (52.27%) in HBT. Similarly, ACE (50-200 mg/kg) increased duration of open arm entries (p<0.001) in EPM. However, this effect was reversed (p<0.001) by pretreatment of mice with cyproheptadine (5-HT2 receptor antagonist) (60.87%). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from these studies revealed antidepressant-like effect of ACE mediated through interaction with dopamine D2- receptor or α2-adrenoceptor. Also an anxiolytic-like effect through interaction with 5-HT2 receptors.

Antinociceptive and anti-arthritic properties of hydroethanolic leaf extract of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. f. ex Benth (Rutaceae) in Rodents: possible mechanism of actions.

The leaves of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. f. ex Benth (Rutaceae) is used in Traditional African medicine for the treatment of various ailments including arthritis. The present study sought to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-arthritic properties of hydroethanolic leaf extract of Clausena anisata (HeCA). HeCA (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered 1 h before intraplantar injection of formalin 1%v/v in saline to evaluate antinociceptive effect. Moreover, its possible mechanism of antinociceptive action was investigated through pretreatment of mice with antagonists of receptors implicated in nociception. Anti¬inflammatory effect of the extract was investigated using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis models in rats. HeCA (400 mg/kg) treatment significantly reduced the duration of paw licking/biting during both in the early (42.12%) and late (75.79%) phases of formalin-induced nociception. However, the antinociceptive effect elicited by HeCA was reverse by pretreatment of mice with naloxone, prazosin, yohimbine, ketanserin, L-arginine, and parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA). HeCA produced dose-dependent and time course decrease in carrageenan-induced paw oedema. Pre- and post-treatment of rats with HeCA ameliorated CFA-induced arthritis evidenced in the significant decrease in arthritic index comparatively similar to the effect of celecoxib. CFA- induced oxidative and nitrosative stress were attenuated by subchronic treatment with HeCA. Findings from this study shows that C. anisata possesses antinociceptive activity through possible interaction with opioidergic, noradrenergic, L-arginine-nitric oxide and serotonergic pathways as well as anti-arthritic property which could be attributed to its ability to prevent the release of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress.

The approach of general practitioners in Lagos to the detection and evaluation of hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension (HTN) control is a major public health and clinical challenge. A number of guidelines exist globally to assist in tackling this challenge. The aim of this study was to determine conformity of the HTN detection and evaluation practices of a sample of Lagos-based general practitioners (GPs) to international guidelines. METHODS: Self-administered structured questionnaires were used to collect data from a cohort of GPs attending continuing medical education programs in Lagos. RESULTS: Out of the 460 GPs that were approached, 435 agreed to participate in the study, with questionnaires from 403 GPs analyzed. The average age and number of years post-registration of the GPs were 40.0 ± 11.3 years and 14.3 ± 11.1 years, respectively. Two thirds (n = 269) were in private practice. Their daily average total and HTN patients' loads were 17.4 ± 14.3 and 4.4 ± 3.5, respectively. Awareness of HTN guidelines was 46.7% (n = 188), while 18.1% (n = 73) was able to name one or more HTN guidelines. The approaches of these GPs to the detection and evaluation of HTN and their relationships to the GPs' experience were heterogeneous. DISCUSSION: The approach of the GPs to detection and evaluation of HTN though heterogeneous is unsatisfactory and may partly contribute to poor HTN control in Nigeria. Strengthening the capacity of GPs in this regard through continuous medical education may greatly improve HTN control.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions of Alafia barteri: Involvement of monoaminergic, nitrergic and opioidergic pathway.

BACKGROUND: We have earlier reported the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Alafia barteri Oliver (Apocynaceae) in rodents but its mechanism of actionsare yet to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE: This study sought toinvestigate the involvement of monoaminergic, nitric oxide-cyclic GMP-K+ channel and opioidergic pathways in its mechanism of actions. METHODS: methanol root extract of Alafia barteri (ALA) (100-400 mg/kg, p.o.) was given 1 h before administration of chemical or thermal-induced nociception andhistamine/serotonin-induced inflammation. The mechanism of the antinociceptive effect was investigated through intraperitoneal injection of prazosin (62.5 pg/kg; alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist), yohimbine (1 mg/kg; alpha2 adrenoceptor antagonist) N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) (20 mg/kg; nitric-oxide-synthase inhibitor), c y p r o h e p t a d i n e (10 mg/kg; 5-HT2R antagonist), glibenclamide (10 mg/kg; ATP-sensitive K+ -channel inhibitor), or naloxone (5 mg/kg; opioid-receptor antagonist) before the nociceptive models. RESULTS: ALA(100-400 mg/kg)treatment produced dose and time dependent (P<0.001; 87.11%)increase in pain threshold in acetic acid-induced-writhing, inhibition of neurogenic (50.96%), and inflammatory (70.02%) phases of formalin test, and 41.75% maximum possible effect (MPE) in tail immersion testat 400 mg/kg in comparison with vehicle-treated control. The antinociceptive-effect was blocked by pretreatmentof mice withprazosin, yohimbine or L-NNA, (P<0.001) in writhing-assay. Similarly, naloxone pretreatment blocked the inhibition of neurogenic- and inflammatory-pain induced by ALA in formalin test. Interestingly, ALA produced dose related time course inhibition (P<0.05) of histamine and serotonin-induced paw inflammation with peak effects (57.89, and 81.82%), respectively, at 400 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: Findings from these studies suggest central and peripheral arralgesic effect of A. barteri through interaction with L-arginine-nitric-oxide pathway, alpha(1/2)-adrenoceptors, and/or, opioidergic pathway, while, the anti-inflammatory effect involves marked inhibition of histamine and serotonin release.

Potential of novel phytoecdysteroids isolated from Vitex doniana in the treatment depression: involvement of monoaminergic systems.

Vitex doniana Sweet (Verbanaceae) is used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of neurological disorders including depression. In our previous studies, three new phytoecdysteroids were isolated from methanol stem bark extract of V. doniana (VD) (11ß-hydroxy-20-deoxyshidasterone, 21-hydroxyshidasterone, and 2,3-acetonide-24-hydroxyecdysone) along with known ecdysteroids. This study was designed to investigate antidepressant-like effect of VD and the isolated phytoecdysteroids in behavioral models of despair, forced-swim test (FST) and tail-suspension test (TST) in mice. VD (100 and 200mg/kg, p.o.) treatment reduced (P<0.05) the duration of immobility in both tests without affecting the locomotor activity and exploratory behavior as observed in the open field test. Similarly, 21-hydroxyshidasterone, 11ß-hydroxy-20-deoxyshidasterone, ajugasterone and 24-hydroxyecdysone acute oral treatments significantly reduced immobility time with peak effect at 10mg/kg, which was similar to the effect of conventional antidepressants (imipramine and fluoxetine) in the FST. Conversely, pretreatment of mice with yohimbine (1mg/kg, i.p., α2-adrenoceptor antagonist), ketanserin (5mg/kg, i.p., 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist) or sulpiride (dopamine D2 receptor antagonist) prevented the antidepressant-like effect of 21-hydroxyshidasterone while the effects of 11ß-hydroxy-20-deoxyshidasterone and 24-hydroxyecdysone were blocked by yohimbine or ketanserin in the FST. Moreover, the anti-immobility effect elicited by ajugasterone was prevented by prazosin (62.5µg/kg, i.p., α1-adrenoceptor antagonist) pretreatment. Our findings demonstrated that V. doniana and its phytoecdysteroids constituents elicited antidepressant-like effect in behavioral paradigm of despair. Furthermore, 21-hydroxyshidasterone produces its antidepressant-like effect through interaction with α2-adrenoceptor, 5-HT2A/2C receptor and dopamine D2-receptors but 11ß-hydroxy-20-deoxyshidasterone and 24-hydroxyecdysone effects depend on interaction with α2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT2A/2C receptors while ajugasterone produces its action through interaction with post-synaptic α1-adrenoceptors. Thus, phytoecdysteroids could play a pivotal role in the treatment of major depression.

Potential drug-drug interactions in HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Multi-therapy is common in HIV-infected children, and the risk for clinically significant drug interactions (CSDIs) is high. We investigated the prevalence of CSDIs between antiretroviral (ARV) and co-prescribed drugs for children attending a large HIV clinic in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS: The case files of pediatric patients receiving treatment at the HIV clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, between January 2005 and December 2010 were reviewed. The ARV and co-prescribed drug pairs were evaluated for potential interactions using the Liverpool HIV Pharmacology Group website. The potential interactions were rated as A (no known interaction), B (minor/no action needed), C (moderate/monitor therapy), D (major/therapy modification), and X (contraindicated/avoid combination). RESULTS: Of the 310 cases reviewed, 208 (67.1%) patients were at risk of CSDIs. Artemisinin-based combination therapy was prescribed for over one-half of the patients, accounting for 40% of the CSDIs. Excluding this drug class, the prevalence of CSDIs reduced from 67.1% to 18.7% in 58 patients. Most of the CSDIs (579; 97.2%) were moderately significant and frequently involved nevirapine and fluconazole (58; 9.7%), zidovudine and fluconazole (55; 9.2%), zidovudine and rifampicin (35; 5.9%), and nevirapine and prednisolone (31; 5.2%). Age (P=0.392), sex (P=0.783), and moderate (P=0.632) or severe (P=0.755) malnutrition were not associated with risk for CSDIs. CONCLUSION: There is a tendency for CSDIs between ARV and co-prescribed drugs among the group of children evaluated in this study. Measures are necessary to prevent important drug interactions and to manage those that are unavoidable.

Herbal medicines supplied by community pharmacies in Lagos, Nigeria: pharmacists' knowledge.

BACKGROUND: The use of herbal medicines is on the increase globally and they are usually supplied in pharmacies as non-prescription medicines. Pharmacists are, therefore, responsible for educating and informing the consumers about rational use of herbal medicines. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge of pharmacists in Lagos, Nigeria with regards to the herbal medicines they supplied by their pharmacies. METHODS: Pharmacists in charge of randomly selected 140 community pharmacies from 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos were required to fill out a self-administered questionnaire. We gathered information on their knowledge of the indications, adverse effects, potential drug-herb interactions and contraindications of the herbal medicines they supply in their pharmacies. RESULTS: Of the 140 questionnaires distributed, 103 (72.9%) participants completed the questionnaire appropriately. The majority (74; 71.8%) of the participants were males and 36-50 years (56; 54.4%). The pharmacies supplied mostly Yoyo cleanser bitters® (101; 98.5%), ginseng (97; 98.5%), Jobelyn® (91; 88.3%), Ciklavit® (68; 66.6%), gingko (66; 64.1%), herbal tea (66; 64.1%), and Aloe vera (57; 55.3%). The pharmacists self-rated their knowledge of herbal medicines mostly as fair (39%) and good (42%), but they exhibited poor knowledge with regards to the indications, contraindications and safety profiles. Seventy participants consulted reference materials such as leaflet insert in the herbal medicines (56%) and internet (20%) before supplying herbal medicines. The information most frequently sought was herb-drug interactions (85%), contraindications (75%) and adverse effects (70%). CONCLUSIONS: Community pharmacists need to be informed about the indications and safety profiles of herbal medicines.

Herbal medicines supplied by community pharmacies in Lagos, Nigeria: pharmacists’ knowledge / Plantas medicinales suministradas por farmacias comunitarias en Lagos, Nigeria: conocimiento de los farmacéuticos

Background: The use of herbal medicines is on the increase globally and they are usually supplied in pharmacies as non-prescription medicines. Pharmacists are, therefore, responsible for educating and informing the consumers about rational use of herbal medicines. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge of pharmacists in Lagos, Nigeria with regards to the herbal medicines they supplied by their pharmacies. Methods: Pharmacists in charge of randomly selected 140 community pharmacies from 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos were required to fill out a self-administered questionnaire. We gathered information on their knowledge of the indications, adverse effects, potential drug-herb interactions and contraindications of the herbal medicines they supply in their pharmacies. Results: Of the 140 questionnaires distributed, 103 (72.9%) participants completed the questionnaire appropriately. The majority (74; 71.8%) of the participants were males and 36-50 years (56; 54.4%). The pharmacies supplied mostly Yoyo cleanser bitters® (101; 98.5%), ginseng (97; 98.5%), Jobelyn® (91; 88.3%), Ciklavit® (68; 66.6%), gingko (66; 64.1%), herbal tea (66; 64.1%), and Aloe vera (57; 55.3%). The pharmacists selfrated their knowledge of herbal medicines mostly as fair (39%) and good (42%), but they exhibited poor knowledge with regards to the indications, contraindications and safety profiles. Seventy participants consulted reference materials such as leaflet insert in the herbal medicines (56%) and internet (20%) before supplying herbal medicines. The information most frequently sought was herbdrug interactions (85%), contraindications (75%) and adverse effects (70%). Conclusions: Community pharmacists need to be informed about the indications and safety profiles of herbal medicines (AU)

Antecedentes: El uso de plantas medicinales está en aumento en todo el mundo y son vendidas en farmacias comunitarias como medicamentos sin receta. Los farmacéuticos son, por tanto, responsables de educar e informar a los consumidores sobre el uso racional de las plantas medicinales. Objetivos: Evaluar el conocimiento de los farmacéuticos de Lagos, Nigeria sobre las plantas medicinales suministradas en sus farmacias. Métodos: Se pidió a los farmacéuticos encargados de 140 farmacias comunitarias aleatoriamente seleccionadas en las 20 áreas de Gobiernos locales de Lagos que rellenasen un cuestionario autoadministrado. Recogimos información sobre su conocimiento de las indicaciones, efectos adversos, potenciales interacciones planta-medicamento y contraindicaciones de las plantas medicinales que suministraban en sus farmacias. Resultados: De los 140 cuestionarios distribuidos, 103 participantes (72,9%) lo completaron adecuadamente. La mayoría (74; 71,8%) de los participantes eran hombres y tenían entre 36-50 años (56; 54,4%). Las farmacias suministraban en su mayoría Yoyo cleanser bitters® (101; 98,5%), ginseng (97; 98,5%), Jobelyn® (91; 88,3%), Ciklavit® (68; 66,6%), gingko (66; 64,1%), herbal tea (66; 64,1%), and Aloe vera (57; 55,3%). Los farmacéuticos auto-calificaron su conocimiento sobre plantas medicinales mayoritariamente como escaso (39%) y bueno (42%), pero demostraron poco conocimiento en relación a las indicaciones, contraindicaciones y perfiles de seguridad. 70 participantes consultaban materiales de referencia como los prospectos (56%) e Internet (20%) antes de suministrar una planta medicinal. La información vista más frecuentemente fueron las interacciones planta-medicamento (85%), contraindicaciones (75%) y efectos adversos (70%). Conclusiones: Los farmacéuticos comunitarios necesitan más información sobre indicaciones y perfiles de seguridad de las plantas medicinales (AU)

Anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and hypnotic effects of aqueous bulb extract of Crinum glaucum A. chev (Amaryllidaceae): role of GABAergic and nitrergic systems.

Crinum glaucum A. Chev (Amaryllidaceae) (CG) is a bulbous plant widely used in folk medicine in the treatment of cough, asthma and convulsions. This study was carried out to investigate the anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and hypnotic effects of the aqueous bulb extract of C. glaucum and its possible mechanism (s) of action. The anticonvulsant activity of C. glaucum extract (400-1200 mg kg(-1) p.o.) was investigated using picrotoxin, strychnine, isoniazid, pentylenetetrazol and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced seizures in mice while the elevated plus maze test (EPM) and hexobarbitone-induced sleeping time (HIST) were used to evaluate the anxiolytic and hypnotic effects, respectively. Animals were pretreated with flumazenil (3 mg kg(-1); i.p. GABA(A) receptor antagonist), cyproheptadine (4 mg kg(-1); i.p. 5-HT2 receptor antagonist), L-arginine (500 mg kg(-1); p.o. Nitric Oxide (NO) precursor) and L-Nitroarginine (L-NNA) (10 mg kg(-1) i.p. Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) inhibitor) were used to investigate the probable mechanism (s) of anticonvulsant activity. Oral administration of CG significantly (p < 0.001) delayed the onset of seizures induced by picrotoxin, strychnine, isoniazid and pentylenetetrazol with peak effect at 1200 mg kg(-1) in comparison to control groups. CG (800 and 1200 mg kg(-1)) strongly antagonized NMDA-induced turning behavior. Pretreatment of mice with cyproheptadine could not reverse the anticonvulsant effect of CG. However, pretreatment with flumazenil and L-NNA significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the anticonvulsant effect of CG while L-arginine pretreatment significantly (p < 0.001) delayed the onset of seizures when compared with control and extract (1200 mg kg(-1) only). CG potentiated hexobarbitone-induced sleeping time with peak effect at 400 mg kg(-1) and also significantly (p < 0.05) increased open arm exploration in EPM and had its peak anxiolytic effect at 100 mg kg(-1). The data obtained suggests that aqueous bulb extract of Crinum glaucum possess anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and hypnotic activities which involve an interaction with GABAergic, nitrergic and glutaminergic systems to exert its effects.

Mechanisms of anticonvulsant and sedative actions of the ethanolic stem-bark extract of Ficus sur Forssk (Moraceae) in rodents.

Ficus sur Forssk (Moraceae) is used in traditional African medicine in the treatment of epilepsy, pain and inflammations. Anticonvulsant activity was investigated using picrotoxin (PTX), strychnine (SCN), isoniazid (INZ), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid NMDA models of convulsion. The phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and anthraquinone. Oral administration of Ficus sur, 1 h before intraperitoneal injection of chemical convulsants significantly (p < 0.05) delayed the onset and prolonged the duration of convulsions in PTX, SCN, INZ, PTZ and NMDA-induced seizures. However, the anticonvulsant activity of the ethanolic extract of Ficus sur was significantly reversed following intraperitoneal pre-treatment with flumazenil (GABA receptor antagonist), cyproheptadine (5-HT2 receptor antagonist) and L-NNA (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) in picrotoxin-induced convulsion. The data obtained suggest that ethanol extract of Ficus sur possessed significant anticonvulsant effect, thereby confirming the traditional uses of Ficus sur in the treatment of epilepsies; mechanisms of which could involve interaction with GABAergic, glycinergic, serotonergic and glutaminergic system barks.

Use of complementary medicine amongst patients on antiretroviral drugs in an HIV treatment centre in Lagos, Nigeria.

Traditional herbal remedies have been used to treat many ailments in Nigeria but the safety of herbal remedies has been the major concerns to many people especially when the chemical constituents of the products are not known. This study is therefore designed to evaluate the prevalence of use of complementary drugs with antiretroviral (ARV) therapy and possible treatment outcome of the concurrent utilization of these therapeutic agents. A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 354 HIV patients attending APIN clinics in LUTH using a consecutive sampling technique was used. There was also correlation of the data obtained from the patients with their clinical case notes. Results showed that only 8.2 % of the respondents' used herbal medicine concurrently with ARV therapy. Ninety percent of the participants were on a two nucleoside and one non-nucleoside based ARV therapy. The most common regimen (55%) was Zidovudine/lamivudine/Nevirapine fixed dose combination while 10% use a protease inhibitor based regimen. The commonly herbal drugs used ranges from Jobelyn [Sorghum bicolor plant leaves (13.8%)], Garlic [Allicin, γ-glutamyl- (s)-ally-L-Cysteine] (10.3%), Ginger [Essential oil] (17.2%) and Aloe vera [Hydroxyanthracene derivatives expressed as Barbaloin] (10.3%). The major reason for the commencement of herbal medicine is the perception that the medicine will boost their immunity (65.5%). However, there was a marginal improvement though not significant (p ≥ 0.05) in the CD4 counts (489.8 ± 195.2; 419.1 ± 236.2) and viral load (5117.8 ± 26092.0; 31136.7 ± 197954.6) of HIV patients on herbal drugs compared to those who are not on herbal drugs. Herbal medicines have potentials to interact with ARVs and thus result in adverse reactions and possibly therapeutic failure. There is need for thorough investigation of the pharmacological action of these herbal medicines in HIV treatment taking into consideration their pharmacokinetic and toxicological profile.

Investigation of the levels of oxidative stress parameters in HIV and HIV-TB co-infected patients.

INTRODUCTION: Among opportunistic pathogens associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), Mycobacterium tuberculosis is distinguished by its relative virulence and potential for person-to-person transmission. Oxidative stress is associated with TB infection with a high level in patients with HIV-TB co-infection. However, the comparative level of oxidative stress in HIV patients on highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) and naïve (untreated) HIV patients is not clear. METHODOLOGY: This study is aimed to determine the level of oxidative stress and haematological parameters in HIV patients (naïve), HIV patients undergoing HAART, and HIV-TB co-infected patients. In total, 100 consenting subjects were recruited from the AIDS Prevention Iniative in Nigeria (APIN) Clinic. For controls, normal male healthy volunteers were recruited from the blood donor clinic and females from the APIN clinic staff members, both of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Measurements of antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation were performed according to standard procedures. Haematological parameters were determined using a fully automated hematology analyzer. RESULTS: Red blood cells significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.001) in all patients when compared with control subjects. The lipid peroxidation (MDA) was significantly high (P ≤ 0.05) in naive patients when compared to HIV patients on HAART. The decrease in the levels of GSH in both naive and HIV-TB co-infected patients (P ≤ 0.001) and HIV patients on HAART (P < 0.05) were significant when compared to control patients. CONCLUSION: There is lower antioxidant level and higher MDA in naive and HIV-TB co-infected patients as compared to HIV patients on HAART and the seronegative patients.

Knowledge, treatment seeking and preventive practices in respect of malaria among patients with HIV attending Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

The synergistic interaction between Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease and malaria makes it mandatory for patients with HIV to respond appropriately in preventing and treating malaria. Such response will help to control the two diseases. This study assessed the knowledge of 495 patients attending the HIV clinic, in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Their treatment seeking, preventive practices with regards to malaria, as well as the impact of socio-demographic / socioeconomic status were assessed. Out of these patients, 245 (49.5%) used insecticide treated bed nets; this practice was not influenced by sociodemographic or socioeconomic factors. However, knowledge of the cause, knowledge of prevention of malaria, appropriate use of antimalarial drugs and seeking treatment from the right source increased with increasing level of education (P < 0.05). A greater proportion of the patients, 321 (64.9%) utilized hospitals, pharmacy outlets or health centres when they perceived an attack of malaria. Educational intervention may result in these patients seeking treatment from the right place when an attack of malaria fever is perceived.