This study determined the pattern of alpha-fetoprotein, CD4 + count, albumin, AST, ALT and ALP in HIV positive subjects on long term antiretroviral therapy in NAUTH Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of ninety six (96) participants who were aged between 18 and 60 years attending the voluntary counseling and testing unit (VCT) and antiretroviral therapy unit (ART) of NnamdiAzikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi were randomly recruited for the study and grouped based on WHO criteria for HIV staging. Six millilitres (6mls) of blood sample were collected from each of the participants in each group and dispensed into EDTA and plain containers in appropriate volumes for the determination of the alpha fetoprotein (AFP), albumin (ALB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and CD4+ count using standard laboratory methods. Results revealed no statistically significant differences in mean AFP levels, AST and ALP activities when compared between HIV positive participants on long term ART, short term ART, and HIV positive subjects not on ART and control groups respectively (p>0.05). Serum albumin concentration and ALT was not significantly different in HIV positive participants on long term ART than in those on short term ART (p>0.05) although serum albumin levels were significantly higher in HIV participants on long term ART and short term ART than in HIV positive subjects not on ART in each case (p<0.05) but was significantly lower in HIV positive participants not on ART compared to control subjects (p<0.05). CD4 + count was significantly higher in HIV positive participants on long term ART when compared with those o short term ART and HIV positive participants not on ART respectively (p<0.05). Therefore, this study has shown improved immune recovery with no hepatotoxicity in HIV positive persons on long term duration of antiretroviral therapy. Importantly, hypoalbuminemia existed among HIV positive subjects not on ART which is suggestive of further progression of the disease.

Leafy vegetables are important items of diet in every home and a number of them are medicinal plants that have been used for curing diseases and have been documented in history of civilization. The current study was aimed at assessing the hepatoprotective potential of the aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis(TO) on the Liver function parameters in Adult Wistar Rats. The sixteen rats used for this study were randomized into groups A, B,C and D. Rats in groups B, C and D were treated with 150, 300 and 600mg/kg.bwt of the leaf extract respectively by intubation for 28 days while group A served as control. Aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were determined using standard laboratory methods. There was a significant reduction in mean body weight (p<0.05), and increase in serum activity of AST and ALP respectively (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the mean serum ALT activity (p>0.05) in the treated groups compared with control respectively. Therefore, it could be concluded that aqueous leaf extract of TO has hepatoprotective effect.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, which has become health problem of global interest, linked to renal disease. The study is to assess the activities of some liver enzymes and alpha fetoprotein level in type 2 diabetic patients. 81 participants comprised 38 diabetics and 43 controls were randomly recruited. Informed, oral and written consent was obtained from the participants. Ethical approval was obtained. 6mls of fasting blood samples were collected. Plasma glucose, alpha feto-protein (AFP) levels; serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) activities were analyzed using standard laboratory methods.  The results showed significantly increased plasma glucose level in the diabetics than in controls (p=0.000), as well as in male diabetics than in female diabetics (p=0.048). But, the mean age, AFP, ALT, AST, ALP and GGT activities  were the same in the diabetics and the controls; and in male and female diabetics  at p>0.05 in each case. Relatively strong positive significant correlation was observed between ALT Vs AST (r=0.566; p=0.000) and a weaker negative association exist between ALT Vs Age (r= -0.353; p=0.022) in diabetics but no associations were observed with other parameters studied. In conclusion the positive association between ALT and AST may reveal transaminase derangements in liver status of type 2 diabetic subjects studied.

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Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes, having high blood glucose, reduced insulin secretion and / or inadequate glucagon secretion. The study is to assess the activities of pancreatic enzymes and anthropometric indices. 81 participants comprised 38 diabetic and 43 control were randomly recruited. Informed, oral and written consent was obtained from the participants. Ethical approval was obtained.6mls of fasting blood samples were collected. Plasma glucose; amylase and lipase activities were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Body mass index (BMI) of participant was determined from height and weight. The results showed significantly increased plasma glucose level in the diabetic participants than in control at p=0.000 and in male diabetics than in female diabetics at p=0.048 in each case. But the activities of lipase, amylase, the mean age and BMI level were the same in both diabetic and control groups at p>0.05 respectively. BMI level, lipase and amylase activities were the same in both genders (p>0.05). Stronger positive correlation exist between Weight Vs BMI (r=0.834; p=0.000), followed by Lipase Vs Amylase (r=0.767; p=0.000), least between Age Vs BMI (r=0.353; p=0.022) but weaker negative associations exist between Height Vs BMI (r=-0.490; p=0.001) and Weight Vs FBS (r=-0.325; p=0.036) in the diabetic subjects. The significant higher level of blood glucose; stronger positive correlation between Lipase and Amylase; Weight and BMI may likely revealed pancreatic exocrine function abnormality in diabetes mellitus type 2.