BackgroundAnalysis of dietary patterns gives a more comprehensive impression of the food consumption habits within a population. Poor dietary habits among undergraduate students have been reported as a lifestyle challenge they face while in school. This study was carried out to assess the dietary pattern and nutritional status of undergraduate students in Igbinedion University, Okada.MethodologyThis study applied a cross‐sectional, descriptive study design and 800 undergraduate students selected by multistage sampling method participated in the study. Data were collected using pretested, structured self‐administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were obtained. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical package (version 22.0) and level of significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsMean age of respondents was 23.5 ± 2.4 years, with a higher proportion being females (468; 58.5%). Over half of the respondents 448 (56.0%) skipped breakfast and 608 (76.0%) ate in between meals. More females 280 (59.8%) compared to males 168 (50.6%) skipped breakfast and the association between gender of respondents and breakfast skipping was statistically significant (p < 0.010). Majority of the respondents 744 (93.0%) ate snacks and the association between age group and snacking status of respondents was statistically significant (p < 0.034). Three hundred and ninety‐two (49.0%) of the respondents had high dietary diversity score while 212 (26.5%) had low dietary diversity score. The association between age group and dietary diversity was statistically significant (p < 0.001). More males 172 (51.8%) had a significantly (p < 0.004) higher dietary diversity score compared to the females 220 (47.0%). Over two‐thirds of the respondents 564 (70.5%) had normal BMI, 112 (14.0%) were overweight, and 76 (9.5%) were underweight.ConclusionSkipping of breakfast and eating in‐between meals are common among the study population. Regular nutrition education program by the institution with emphasis on adequate dietary practices is recommended.

Proteinuric chronic kidney disease is associated with altered red blood cell lifespan, deformability and metabolism.

Proteolytic activation of the renal epithelial sodium channel ENaC involves cleavage events in its α- and γ-subunits and is thought to mediate sodium retention in nephrotic syndrome (NS). However, detection of proteolytically processed ENaC in kidney tissue from nephrotic mice has been elusive so far. We used a refined Western blot technique to reliably discriminate full-length α- and γ-ENaC and their cleavage products after proteolysis at their proximal and distal cleavage sites (designated from the N-terminus), respectively. Proteolytic ENaC activation was investigated in kidneys from mice with experimental NS induced by doxorubicin or inducible podocin deficiency with or without treatment with the serine protease inhibitor aprotinin. Nephrotic mice developed sodium retention and increased expression of fragments of α- and γ-ENaC cleaved at both the proximal and more prominently at the distal cleavage site, respectively. Treatment with aprotinin but not with the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist canrenoate prevented sodium retention and upregulation of the cleavage products in nephrotic mice. Increased expression of cleavage products of α- and γ-ENaC was similarly found in healthy mice treated with a low salt diet, sensitive to mineralocorticoid receptor blockade. In human nephrectomy specimens, γ-ENaC was found in the full-length form and predominantly cleaved at its distal cleavage site. In conclusion, murine experimental NS leads to aprotinin-sensitive proteolytic activation of ENaC at both proximal and more prominently distal cleavage sites of its α- and γ-subunit, most likely by urinary serine protease activity or proteasuria.

We estimated the content of specific phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant properties of the powder, aqueous, and ethanolic extracts of ripe Dennettia tripetala fruits. We also tested the biochemical and histological effects of these fruit extracts on healthy rats. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were prepared from the powder of ripe D. tripetala fruits, and standard phytochemical methods were used to evaluate its phytochemical content and antioxidant properties. Eighteen rats were randomized into three groups, one of which served as control, while the second and third groups received the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of D. tripetala fruits, respectively, at a dose of 1,000 mg/kg bw daily for 28 days. Our results show that the powder as well as the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of ripe D. tripetala fruits contains phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and alkaloids. The plant powder as well as both extracts scavenged DPPH and hydrogen peroxide as well as reduced ferric ions. The extracts of D. tripetala fruits did not alter liver marker enzymes or serum protein profile of the rats. The extracts also did not alter the serum concentration of urea and creatinine and the antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation levels in the liver but altered that of the kidney. The extracts altered the serum and liver lipid profile but not to any significant extents. Also, the extracts caused minimal congestion to the centrioles of the liver but were not in any other way toxic to the liver, kidney, or heart of the rats. Our results point to the fact that the fruits of D. tripetala possess phytochemicals with medicinal properties and are well tolerated by rats.

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic benefits of oral administration of extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves on some serum parameters that are indicators or risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, in salt loaded rabbits. Method: Thirty experimental rabbits used for this study were randomized into five groups (A to E) of six rabbits. Rabbits in groups A to D were given salt loaded diets. Groups B and C animals were also treated with aqueous and ethanol extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves respectively while rabbits in group E served as control. Results: Salt loading resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum albumin, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and lower serum globulin, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, as compared with the control. Treatment with Acalypha wilkesiana leaf extracts (aqueous or ethanol), at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight, resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, globulin, and lower serum total protein, albumin, LDL-cholesterol, cholesterol, as compared with the control, in the salt loaded rabbits. Conclusion: Acalypha wilkesiana may be useful in the management of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.