Potential metabolic biomarkers have been developed by the use of modern analytical techniques and nanotechnology in metabolomics, providing insight into the pathophysiological basis and changes, tumorigenesis, and molecular mechanisms that underpin better therapeutic, monitoring, and prognostic evaluations of colon malignancies. This would allow early detection and characterization of malignant colon tumors and could reduce the risk of mortality and morbidity of colorectal carcinomas. Based on their association with certain metabolic pathways linked to malignancies, a number of tumor markers have been designed. Whereas some have been associated with only one cancer type, while others are associated with many different forms of cancer. No tumor marker has been found to have universal application as a metabolism-related marker; although some are circulating tumor markers found in blood, urine, stool, or other body fluids, others may be found in the specific tumors themselves. This paper addresses a number of associated metabolic changes linked to colorectal cancers and potential applications for disease condition diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, and prognosis.
Background/Aim: Preeclampsia is a multisystemic disorder, which significantly contributes to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries where it accounts for about one-third of maternal mortality cases. Predicting its occurrence will reveal a sizeable population of pregnant women who will undoubtedly benefit from prevention. The ideal screening marker for the disease is still being investigated. The urine calcium-creatinine ratio (CCR) is an inexpensive, simple, and easily assayed biomarker. This study determined the accuracy of the spot urinary calcium-creatinine ratio in predicting the occurrence of preeclampsia. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study conducted in Delta State, which involved four healthcare facilities in Nigeria. A total of 138 pregnant women between 8 and 18 weeks gestation were recruited. Urine samples were obtained at 18 weeks to assay their CCR, and patients were followed up weekly for blood pressure measurement and dipstick urinalysis until delivery. Results: The mean spot urine CCR in this study was 0.225 (0.101). It was significantly lower in women who developed preeclampsia compared to normotensive women (P < 0.001). Multiple logistics regression analysis showed that the association between urine CCR and occurrence of preeclampsia was statistically significant. At a receiver operating characteristic cutoff of ≤ 0.1065, CCR had a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 91.3%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 35.3%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.3%. The low PPV of 35.3% can be explained by the low prevalence of preeclampsia (5.78%) in the study population. Conclusion: In conclusion, the poor PPV of the urine CCR was due to the low prevalence of preeclampsia in the study. However, in considering all women at risk, urine CCR may be a good prognostic marker when the illness prevalence is substantial.
Owing to its high prevalence, dyslipidemia is rapidly becoming a major public heart issue worldwide, and especially in Nigeria. Although it is a preventable significant risk factor for coronary heart disease, it is a common leading cause of death in Nigeria. The study therefore investigated the lipid profiles of patients attending Metabolic Clinic at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH). A total of 713 participants were recruited for the study. Blood samples (5mls) were collected via venipuncture from each of the participants and distributed into tubes containing EDTA and fluoride oxalate. A spectrophotometer was used to conduct the lipid analysis, and the normal operating assay protocol was followed. Results showed total cholesterol in the male (194.6 mg/dL) were generally lower than in the females, particularly for participants below the age of 40. However, as the ages progressed (that is, above 40 years), total cholesterol in males became higher than those in the females. Antherogenic ratio as well as antherogenic index of plasma were higher in the female gender at ages below 40 years. The study showed that the risk of hypercholesterolemia may be higher within the active age period of 30-60 years. As seen in the current study, plasma lipid levels change drastically by sexual development or maturity, and the trends vary by age and sex. The study also significantly demonstrated the elevated lipids levels in younger women in the study population than older men. When assessing screening and diagnostic criteria for classifying individuals with elevated blood lipid levels, pubertal or sexual growth may be taken into account.
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in men, and it is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world today. PCa is detected via a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test. PSA is a protein produced by malignant and noncancerous tissue in the prostate gland. Although PSA levels grow as a result of prostate cancer, a high PSA test result does not always mean a man has prostate cancer. Several studies have corroborated this assertion of the inability of elevated PSA levels to most effectively indicate carcinoma without necessarily following up with histological examination. This study considered men within the 40 – 80 age bracket, who presented at the Urology Clinic of Delta State University Teaching Hospital. Results showed that whereas the mean PSA value for normotensive participants was 8.0 ng/ml (or the 95th percentile of 46.6 ng/ml), the mean PSA of 15.3 ng/ml (or 72.2 ng/ml as the 95th percentile) for those participants with BPH was reported. For study participants with PCa, a mean PSA of 43.2 ng/ml was reported. Although the statutory level for PSA within that age bracket is 4.0 ng/ml, significant increases in the normotensive participants mean that elevated PSA may not have been due to either BPH or carcinoma. Although there was a strong association between PSA levels and PCa based on the Phi and Cramer’s V value of 0.221, sensitivity was 50% and the positive predictive value was less than 20%. With the report of PSA elevations in normotensive individuals, and also with reports of some patients with reported PCa who had low PSA levels, it is suggested PSA levels may not be used in isolation. There is a need therefore to enhance the reliance on PSA or the development of more accurate biomarkers for PCa.
Aims: Liver function tests or "LFTs" are performed to measure liver function and identify the source of liver damage while examining the health state of the liver. The current study looked into the pattern of presentation of liver function tests values in a tertiary institution in Delta State, Nigeria. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Delta state University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH),Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria over a 24-month period. Methodology: The study included 1436 recruited subjects who reported to the Chemical Pathology Laboratory for LFTs at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) in Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria. The participants' ages varied from infants to people in their 70s. Results: There were no significant variations in total protein (TP) across the age groups. TP levels in neonates and infants varied from 4.73 g/dl (p>0.05). TP levels in adults varied from 6.43 to 7.75 g/dl. Total bilirubin (T.BIL) levels in adults were lower in general than in babies and neonates (p0.05). There were no gender differences in the LFTs parameters among the adult individuals. TP levels in the females (6.50 g/dl) were greater (p<0.05) than in the boys (8.84 g/dl) among the day-olds. However, after 2 weeks, the girls' TP levels (4.67 g/dl) were considerably lower (p0.05). All participants' TP levels were within reference intervals. More than 80% of subjects had substantially increased ALP levels. Infants have higher levels of bilirubin than adults. Conclusion: At least 5% of the adult subjects developed hyperbilirubinemia. Gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), Glutamate oxaloacetate transferase (GOT), and Glutamate pyruvate transferase (GPT) levels were significantly elevated in at least 50% of all subjects, regardless of age or gender. The immediate underlying reason is unknown.
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