Madonna University journal of Medicine and Health Sciences ISSN: 2814-3035

ANTISERA POTENTIAL OF INDIGENOUS NIGERIAN PLANT LECTINS: A REVIEW

Musa Abidemi MUHIBI — 2024-07-25

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins ubiquitous in nature, particularly abundant in plants. Indigenous Nigerian plants represent a vast untapped resource for novel lectins with diverse biological properties. This review explores the potential of these lectins as anti-sera agents. We will discuss the isolation, purification, and characterization of lectins from Nigerian plants. Additionally, we will explore the in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating their agglutination activity against various blood types. The review will highlight the advantages of utilizing indigenous lectins for therapeutic applications due to their potential specificity and reduced immunogenicity. Finally, we will address the challenges and future directions for research in this field, emphasizing the need for further exploration and development of these promising anti-sera agents from Nigeria's rich botanical heritage.

HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS COMMONLY SOLD IN NIGERIA

Sunday Onyemali ONYELONI — 2024-09-25

The study evaluates the contamination by heavy metals of pharmaceuticals commonly used in
Nigeria. Pharmaceutical samples in sixteen pharmacological groups in different dosage forms
were purchased from registered pharmacies and patent medicine shops from Abraka and
Obiaruku in Delta State, Nigeria. The samples were digested using a bi acid mixture of HNO3 and
HCIO4 in the ratio of 6:1 and analyzed using the Atomic Absorption spectrometer (AAS) for the
presence of lead, chromium, cadmium, zinc, nickel, manganese, iron, copper and cobalt. The
result reveals significant contamination by all the metals investigated with the exception of
copper and cobalt. The contamination may be attributed to wear and tear of manufacturing
machinery, contamination from water, packaging and raw materials. It is recommended that
machinery used for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals should be well maintained and replaced
were necessary and strict adherence to good manufacturing practice (GMP) as required by
regulatory agencies.

THE IMPACT OF MENSTRUATION ON HAEMATOCRIT AND SERUM TRANSFERRIN LEVELS IN FEMALE STUDENTS OF MADONNA UNIVERSITY, ELELE, RIVERS STATE

Emmanuel Chinedu Onuoha — 2024-09-25

There had been an incident of dizziness or fainting and irregular menstrual cycle among menstruating female students in Madonna University, there is therefore a need to evaluate serum transferrin level and haematocrit value to ascertain the causative effect of such incidents.A total of Sixty subjects were enrolled for the study within the age range of 18 to 26 years in which thirty subjects were used as tests and thirty subjects were used as control. All subjects were apparently healthy with none having any form of illness.. Blood samples were collected from subjects and were analyzed of serum transferrin (g/dl) and haematocrit (%) value using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and Microhematocrit method respectively. The result obtained showed that Haematocrit (%) values in females not on menstruation (38.1333±1.73 %) were significantly higher than females on menstruation (33.80±2.93 %)(p<0.05). The result also obtained from the comparison of menstruating females and non-menstruating females showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in serum transferrin (g/dl) levels in non-menstruating females (2.54 ± 0.91 g/dl) when compared to menstruating females (3.92±0.524 g/dl). In conclusion, this study contributes to our understanding of the dynamics of haematocrit and serum transferrin levels in menstruating females in Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers state. These findings suggest a physiological adaptation in response to menstrual blood loss, which may contribute to understanding the hematological profile of menstruating females. It is therefore recommended that iron supplement should be advocated among female menstruating students to avert the adverse effect associated with menstruation.

OXIDATIVE STRESS DEMOGRAPHY IN METABOLICALLY HEALTHY OBESITY

Adejare E.O.A — 2024-09-26

Obesity is often linked to oxidative stress due to an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defenses. This oxidative stress plays a significant role in obesity-related complications, including insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. This study examines the pattern of some antioxidants in metabolically healthy overweight and obese Nigerians to understand their role in maintaining metabolic health despite excess adiposity. A prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted with metabolically healthy participants categorized as normal weight, overweight, or obese. Participants were recruited from Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the general populace. Metabolically healthy status was defined by the absence of hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, cancer, or obesity-related disorders, and not taking medications for these conditions. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and blood samples were collected and analyzed for various biochemical markers, including glucose, lipid profiles, and antioxidant levels. The study adhered to ethical standards, with approval granted by LUTH's Medical Ethical Committee. The age distribution of participants showed an increased prevalence of obesity in middle-aged Nigerians. Obesity prevalence significantly rose from early adulthood (21-30 years) to middle age (41-50 years) before slightly declining in older age groups. Antioxidant analysis revealed that glutathione (GSH) levels were highest in normal individuals, slightly lower in overweight, and lowest in obese individuals, indicating reduced antioxidant defenses in obesity. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were similar across groups, with a slight decrease in obese individuals. Catalase (CAT) levels were consistently low across all groups, suggesting compromised hydrogen peroxide neutralization. Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels were lower in obese individuals, indicating diminished detoxification and enzymatic antioxidant defenses. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a marker of lipid peroxidation, were highest in obese individuals, confirming increased oxidative stress. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to manage obesity and oxidative stress among Nigerians, particularly in middle-aged and older adults. Despite being classified as metabolically healthy, obese Nigerians are at risk of oxidative stress due to higher levels of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. Enhancing antioxidant defenses through dietary and lifestyle interventions may mitigate health risks associated with obesity.