Summary The effect of aqueous matured stem extract of Opuntia dillenii on selected biochemical parameters in Male Wistar rats was explored. Standard analytical methods were applied. Forty Wistar rats (80-100g) were used in the animal studies, separated into four groups. The control group was solely administered normal feed and saline, group I was administered 100mgkg−1 of the extract, group II received 300mgkg−1 of the extract and group III received 500 mg/kg−1 of the extract. A significant increase (p<0.05) in the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase was observed in group II and III rats, as compared with the controls. A significant decrease in urea and creatinine concentrations was found only in group III rats against the controls. Also, a significant (p<0.05) decrease in triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol was seen in group II and group III rats when compared with the control. The hematological evaluation revealed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in red blood cell and hemoglobin levels in group III rats when compared with the control. The findings showed both beneficial and toxicological effects of the plant. Hence, for optimal therapeutic benefits, a further toxicological survey could still be carried out perhaps at higher doses.

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Organic pesticides concentrations in tissues of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (catfish) and Liza falcipinis (mullet) sampled from Ogbakiri River, Niger Delta, Nigeria were investigated to find out the extent of pesticide contamination in the river and its possible health implication on human consumption assessed. Pesticides were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The concentration of pesticides ranged from 0.0010±0.0001 to 0.0095±0.0002 µg/l and 0.0007±0.0001 to 0.0110±0.0002µg/g in water and sediments, respectively. Similarly, pesticides concentration in fish tissues ranged from 0.0002±0.0001 to 0.0185±0.0002µg/g and 0.0003±0.0001 to 0.0098±0.0002µg/g in liver and muscle respectively. Moreso, to assess health risk concerns, the measure concentrations of pesticide residues were compared with regulatory benchmarks. Risk hazard estimates of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes, Chlordanes, hexachlorobenzene in the studied fishes showed no potential adverse effect to human consumption at the observed concentrations. The cancer risk was also evaluated according to the guideline as stipulated by USEPA and was within acceptable risk range of 10-4. Thus exposed populations are not at cancer risk through consumption of fish from this river.

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Variations in liver metabolism as a result of hepatitis C virus have been established by numerous clinical trials. The use of antioxidants supplements has been reported to minimize the implication of this disease. In this regard, we examined the suitability of Solanum fruit juice, a natural source of vitamin C and citrus flavoniod as a precursor for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. Forty adult patients who were diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C and were under antiviral therapy were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 patients received their antiviral therapy with normal food and water and served as the control group while patients in group 2 were supplemented with Solanum fruit juice for eight consecutive weeks. Measurements for Anthropometric data, C reactive protein (CRP), atherogenic indices, biochemical parameters and activities of liver marker enzymes were recorded before and after eight weeks. No alterations were found in waist circumference, body mass and body fat following regular use of Solanum fruit juice. The serum levels of oxidative stress markers, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, CRP and atherogenic indices decreased in the Solanum fruit juice group when compared to the control group. Moreover, the activities of the liver marker enzyme AST decreased in those who had high levels before the intervention. These results underscore the benefits of Solanum fruit juice in the diet of patients with HCV as a result of decreased cholesterol in blood serum, decreased inflammation, and increase in antioxidant capacity as well as maintaining body mass index. This clinical trial is registered at Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (www.pactr.org) with unique identification number PACTR201802003092138.

The concentration of selected endocrine disrupting chemicals in tissues of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (catfish) and Liza falcipinnis (mullet) obtained from Choba river in Rivers State, Nigeria was analyzed to determine their levels and possible hazard for human consumption. Pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls were assessed using gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detector. Heavy metals analysis was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The concentration of pesticides ranged from 0.0013±0.0002 to 0.0130±0.0002 µg/l and 0.0077±0.0000 to 0.0390±0.0001µg/g in water and sediments, respectively. Similarly, pesticides concentration ranged from 0.0001±0.0000 to 0.0171±0.0002µg/g and 0.0002±0.0001 to 0.0385±0.0002µg/g respectively. The concentration of PCBs in analyzed fish ranged from 0.2439±0.0001 to 0.2683±0.0003µg/g in the muscle and liver, respectively. Heavy metal concentration ranged from 0.004±0.001 to 0.460±0.002µg/g for cadmium and mercury, respectively. Risk hazard estimates of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes, Chlordanes, hexachlorobenzene, and heavy metals (Cd, Cr) in the studied fishes showed no potential adverse effect to human consumption at the observed concentrations. Mercury was high in all fish analyzed with a quotient value greater than unity indicating potential mercury poisoning. The cancer risk was also evaluated according to USEPA, (2005) and was within acceptable risk range of 10-4. Thus exposed populations are not at cancer risk through consumption of fish.