HIV infection remains a worrisome pandemic especially in developing countries like Nigeria, with an increasing number of infected women becoming pregnant, with added risk of pregnancy complications such as intrauterine fetal death, neural tube defects, and vertical transmissions. Hence this study assessed the levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) in HIV seropositive pregnant women, and their implication for maternal and fetal health. A total of 86 patients were recruited for the study from the Antenatal Clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi. Forty three were HIV seropositive (Test group), and forty three were HIV seronegative (Control group). Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein and beta human chorionic gonadotropin levels were assayed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The results showed that MSAFP levels (3.14±2.80 ng/ml) were significantly lower (P < .05) in HIV infected pregnant women when compared to HIV uninfected pregnant women (4.75±3.68 ng/ml). There was no significant difference in the levels of β-hCG (217.88±63.85mIU/mL) in the test group (P = 0.629) as compared to controls (223.75±47.71 mIU/mL). In the test group, increased CD4 counts were significantly associated with increased MSAFP and β-hCG levels in a positive fashion (P < .05). Increase in Gestational age was also significantly associated with increased β-hCG levels (P < .05). The measurements of MSAFP and β-hCG levels may be used alongside CD4 count in the assessment of maternal and fetal wellbeing. Human Immunodeficiency Virus by reducing the levels of MSAFP in HIV infected pregnant women increases the likelihood of pregnancy complications such as intrauterine fetal death.
Moringa oleifera, popularly known as “miracle tree” belongs to the family, Moringaceae. It is a medicinal plant in which the leaves are the most nutritious part, being a significant source of vitamins and protein among others. This study was conceived and designed based on the gaps in the research that has been performed and what is known about the plant. In this study, the effect of Moringa oleifera leaves extract on alloxan induced diabetes in Wistar albino rats was investigated. A total of forty five (45) rats were acclimatized for a period of two weeks, then randomly divided into five (5) groups (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) of nine (9) rats each and fed with standard feed and water. Group 1 which is the control was fed with just water and standard feed while Hyperglycemia was induced in groups 2, 3, 4, & 5 intra-peritoneally after an over-night fasting using alloxan at a concentration of 130 mg/kg b.w. and allowed for 48hours which resulted in a high blood glucose level between 300 mg/dl and 600 mg/dl. Group 2 was not given any treatment while Groups 3, 4, & 5 were treated with doses 100 mg/kg b.w., 200 mg/kg bw, and 400 mg/kgbw of Moringa oleifera leaf extract respectively for a period of four weeks. A glucometer was used to check the blood glucose level of the animals before and after treatment. The results of Groups 3, 4, & 5 (172.0±4.75 mg/dl, 142.9±47.25 mg/dl, 70.6±24.46 mg/dl respectively) showed a significant decrease (p< 0.05) in blood glucose level of the induced rats when compared with Group 2 (316±47.17 mg/dl) which was induced only alloxan. It can therefore be concluded that this study has shown that the extract of Moringa oleifera leaves offers an anti-diabetic effect in Wistar albino rats.
Background and Aims: Cola acuminata pod extract (CAPE) is used in Nigerian traditional medicine to treat low sperm count in males. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of CAPE on the reproductive system of male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Preliminary acute toxicity testing, phytochemical screening, proximate analysis, and determination of vitamin E concentration were performed on the extract. Three groups (I, II, and III) of 12 rats were used in the study. Each group comprised three batches (A, B, and C) of 4 rats each for different periods (4, 6, and 8 weeks, respectively). Results: Acute toxicity testing showed that CAPE had an oral lethal dose of 50% (LD50) of >5 g/kg body weight (b.wt) in rats. Vitamin E concentration was 0.511 mg/l. The caudal epididymal sperm count increased marginally from 4 to 6 weeks for rats treated with 800 mg/kg b.wt., but reduced significantly at 8 weeks for both CAPE treatment groups (II and III) (p<0.05) compared with the control group (I). Significant reduction (p<0.05) of sperm motility and serum testosterone levels at 8 weeks were observed. The histology of the reproductive organs revealed evident histo-architectural changes. Conclusions: These results suggest that the aqueous pod extract of Cola acuminata causes marked alterations in reproductive organs and shows antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic effects when administered orally over 8 weeks in mature male rats leading to contradicting its use as a traditional remedy for low sperm count in males.
Welding processes produce toxic fumes consisting of gaseous and aerosol by-products which pose a risk to the male reproductive systems. The rate of infertility has increased globally. This study therefore sought to assess the effects of welding fume inhalation on the sex hormones of welders in Nnewi. A site-by-site cross-sectional study of 45 welders (aged between 18 and 50 years) who were exposed to welding fumes (Test group) and 45 age-matched non-welders (Control group) was carried out. The ages of the Test and Control subjects, as well as the years of exposure of the Test subjects were obtained via questionnaire. A single non-fasting venous blood (about 5 mls) was collected from the ante-cubital space from the subjects via venipuncture between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Serum was separated following clotting, and used for the investigation of the levels of male sex hormones: Testosterone (T), Progesterone (P), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) among welders. Sex hormones were assayed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The results showed that Testosterone (2.45±0.34 ng/ml) was significantly lower (p<0.05) in welders when compared to controls (4.94±0.81 ng/ml) and significantly increased (p<0.05) levels of Progesterone (0.54±0.09 ng/ml) and LH (7.47±1.56 mIU/L) were found in welders compared with controls Progesterone (0.45±0.08 ng/ml) and LH (5.53±1.05 mIU/L). There was no significant difference in the levels of FSH of the test when compared with the controls. This finding of altered hormone levels indicates a likelihood of reduced reproductive outcome. Exposure to welding fume may therefore interfere with testicular functions leading to disordered reproductive performance, delayed conception, and reduced fertility.
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