Assessment of Renal Erythropoietic Status of the Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Patients without Renal Impairment in Benin City, Nigeria

Diabetes mellitus is a carbohydrate metabolism disorder which is caused due to impairment in insulin secretion and/or the activity of insulin, leading to chronic hyperglycemia with defective carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. This study aimed at assessing the erythropoietin (EPO), hemoglobin and renal parameters levels among the newly diagnosed diabetic patients and providing valuable insights into the management and progression of the disease. A case-control study was conducted on samples of 60 consenting participants including newly diagnosed diabetic patients (n − 30), and healthy controls (n − 30) of age ranging between 20 - 50 years. EPO level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the renal parameters (electrolytes) were measured using Ion-Selective Electrodes. Hemoglobin, urea and creatinine were measured using cyanmethemoglobin and colorimetric methods respectively under standard protocols. Demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, diabetes duration, iron rich diet consumption, medication history and family history were collected via questionnaires. Independent sample t-test indicated significantly higher mean hemoglobin (p < 0.05), packed cell volume (p = 0.05) and fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001) in newly diagnosed diabetic patients compared with their healthy control. No significant differences were observed in EPO, creatinine, urea, potassium, bicarbonate, sodium, and chloride between the two groups. In this study, the values of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, EPO and all renal biomarkers were normal, this may be due to the early diagnosis of the disease. It also suggests the extensive capacity of the kidney which is able to withstand metabolic disturbances in the newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus condition. Routine medical check and lifestyle modification are recommended to a newly diagnosed diabetic patients. Also further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these assessments in predicting diabetes complications, disease progression and guiding therapeutic interventions.

Empowering women to combat osteoporosis:unveiling the causes,consequences,and control strategies

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease in women worldwide, leading to decreased bone density and an accelerated risk of fractures. The causes of osteoporosis in women include age (senile osteoporosis), menopause-associated hormonal changes, deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D, genetics, lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and some type of medications. The consequences of osteoporosis are colossal, consisting of fractures, decreased quality of life, psychological impacts, and economic burden. To effectively control the menace of osteoporosis in women, numerous strategies are advocated. Adequate calcium and vitamin D consumption through diet or supplements is vital. Regular weight-bearing activities and strength training that promote bone density. Maintaining a healthy life-style through avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol in-take and maintaining a wholesome body weight is essential. Hormone replacement therapy and some medications may be recommended in certain cases. Early detection through regular bone density and blood tests is crucial to lowering its impact. Creating a supportive network through educational programs and resources fosters awareness and empowerment. By engaging these strategies, women can be empowered to combat osteoporosis, reduce fracture risk, and build stronger bones for their overall well-being.

Serum Levels of Reproductive Hormones and Their Relationship with Age in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Benin City, Edo State

Background: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition which occurs as men get older. Aim: We aimed at investigating the reproductive hormone profile of men with BPH and the relationship of these hormones with age. Methods: Twenty-nine men of age > 40 years were screened for prostate symptoms. The prostate examination included digital rectal examination and measurement of serum prostate-specific antigen levels. Demographic and clinical characteristics of subjects were obtained using a structured questionnaire. The serum levels of Testosterone (Te), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Prolactin (PRL) were measured using ELISA method. Results: Our study indicated that age and levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), LH and FSH were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in men with BPH compared with healthy controls. In contrast, the control group indicated significantly (p < 0.05) higher Te level compared with the BPH group. In patients with BPH, age was significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis hormones (LH, FSH and PRL), but not with the sex hormone, and testosterone. Majority (62.1%) of the patients with BPH indicated they had poor libido, while none of them indicated regular sexual activity with their spouses. Conclusion: This study suggests that the rise in serum levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis hormones in BPH patients as demonstrated by the present findings may be age-related since testicular dysfunction in aging men is associated with the decrease in androgen production which may stimulate an increased production of gonadotropins by negative feedback.

Effects of Carbon Monoxide on Haematological and Haemostatic Parameters among the Exposed Workers at Generator Servicing Centres in Benin City

Objectives: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless and highly toxic gas produced from incomplete combustion of fuel. This gas has capacity to bind with haemoglobin to compete for oxygen uptake when inhaled, thereby altering the blood physiology. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of carbon monoxide on haematology and haemostasis parameters among the exposed workers at gasoline generators service centre in Benin City. Methodology: Eighty-eight participants (workers n = 44 and;controls n = 44) took part in this study. Carbon monoxide used for this study was sourced from the smoke being emitted by gasoline generators during repairs. The participants’ haematological parameters were analysed using haematology autoanalyzer (Sysmex Poch 100i model, Germany), while PT and PTTK were assayed using standard methods. Results: The mean values of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width coefficient variation (RDW-CV) observed in both the workers at generator service center and their controls fell within normal ranges, but the mean red cell distribution width standard deviation (RDW-SD) of workers at generator service center fell below normal as against the normal value for controls. There were no significant differences in serum concentrations of lymphocytes (p = 0.134), and granulocytes (p = 0.584). In contrast, significantly (p Conclusion: In this study, carbon monoxide emitted during repairs has no deleterious effects on haematological and haemostasis parameters of the exposed workers at generator service centre in Benin City. However, PT and PTT exceeded normal value in the workers at the generator service centre compared to the controls. More work needs to be done especially on longer duration of exposure and at various concentrations of carbon monoxide exposure.

Assessment of Risks of Cardiovascular Diseases among Leprosy Patients Settlement at Ossiomo-Ogan Rehabilitation Center, Edo State, Nigeria

Background/Aim: Quality of life is reduced in people living with leprosy as a result of its impact on human activities. Lipid profile means pattern of lipids in the blood, which is routinely done to assess cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases among the leprosy patients settlement at Ossiomo-Ogan, Edo state. Method: Blood samples were collected from a total number of one hundred and eight (108) (57 leprosy patients and 51 controls) subjects. The lipid profiles of the participants were determined using standard methods. Results: Significantly (p < 0.001) higher mean serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL in leprosy patients compared with the healthy controls were obtained. There is significant positive correlation between artherogenic index and levels of total cholesterol (r = 0.663;p < 0.001);triglyceride (r = 0.901;p < 0.001);HDL (r = 0.284;p = 0.003);and LDL (r = 0.626;p < 0.001) in leprosy patients. However, all the control subjects and 54 (94.7%) of the leprosy patients had low cardiovascular disease risk, while 3 (2.8%) indicated moderate CVD risk. None of the participants had high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: In this study, lipid profile levels of leprosy patients significantly increased despite moderate level of BMI. This study also showed significant positive correlation between the anthrogenic index of plasma and all the lipid profile. Many of the leprosy patients are not conscious of their diet which was tilted towards heavy carbohydrate and fatty meals. None of the participants is at high risk of cardiovascular diseases but the risk may increase with further elevation of the lipid profiles. Efforts should be made by all stakeholders to improve on the awareness of leprosy disease and encourage the sufferers to live decent lives.

Serum Levels of Prostate Specific Antigen Parameters among Male Patients with Lepromatous Leprosy in Edo State, Nigeria

Aim: This study is aimed at determining the total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA) concentrations and free to total PSA ratio (f/tPSA) and their utility in prostate cancer (PCa) risk stratification among male lepromatous leprosy patients in Edo state, Nigeria. Methods: Forty participants and thirty controls participated in this study. A structured questionnaire was administered to each participant to elicit details such as their personal data, age, sex, residence, medications, alcohol consumption, smoking habit, length of time of diagnosis, sexual activities, as well as the history of any other underlying diseases. Blood samples were collected from the participants. Total and free PSA concentrations in the samples were measured using ELISA method. Results: Significantly (p = 0.042) higher serum fPSA among the leprosy patients (0.22 ± 0.12 ng/ml) compared with the healthy controls (0.17 ± 0.09 ng/ml). There were no significant (p = 0.055) difference in the mean tPSA between the leprosy patients (2.69 ± 2.25 ng/ml) compared with the control (1.95 ± 0.69 ng/ml). Similarly, no significant (p = 0.548) difference was observed in PSA ratio between the control (0.08 ± 0.04) and the leprosy patients (0.09 ± 0.03). Conclusion: Our study indicated no significant differences in tPSA and f/tPSA between the leprosy patients and their healthy control. Elevated tPSA as well as f/tPSA levels that fell within the high risk zones of PCa were more prevalent among patients aged ≥ 70 years, not married, who rarely had sexual intercourse and those with longer disease duration.

Reproductive Hormone Profiles and Their Relationships with Sexual Function in Patients with Prostate Cancer after Rapid Prostatectomy in Benin City

There are limited studies examining the relationship between serum reproductive hormone levels and sexual functions among prostate cancer (PCa) patients after rapid prostatectomy (RP). Aim: The present study aimed at evaluating the correlation between post-operative serum levels of some male reproductive hormones of PCa patients and their sexual functions in the months following RP. A total of 20 male patients with clinically localized PCa who had undergone RP within the last 12 months prior to commencement of the study, were invited to participate. The postoperative serum levels of their luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and total testosterone (Te) were measured. They also completed a structured health and lifestyle questionnaire to obtain information on their demographic characteristics and detailed medical history. Our data indicated normal mean levels of post-operative Te (4.34 ± 4.38 ng/ml) in the patients following RP, while the mean levels of FSH (39.24 ± 34.12 miu/ml) and LH (21.67 ± 25.73 miu/ml) were on the increase and far above normal ranges for healthy men. Data indicated a significant positive correlation between Te and frequency of sexual intercourse (r = 508;p < 0.05), libido (r = 0.429;p < 0.05) and penile erection (r = 0.494;p < 0.05). However, no significant correlations were found between FSH or LH and any of the sexual function parameters. The present study indicated that radical prostatectomy affected reproductive hormones by increasing LH and FSH concentrations above normal ranges for healthy men, while Te concentrations remained within normal range in the months following RP. The postoperative serum total Te concentrations of the patients were significantly associated with their postoperative sex drive, penile erection and frequency of sexual intercourse.

The Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Serum Carboxyhemoglobin and Calcium Levels in Apparently Healthy Male Smokers in Benin City, Nigeria

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of cigarette smoking on carboxylhaemoglobin (COHb) and calcium levels in apparently healthy male cigarette smokers in Benin City, Nigeria. Thirty active cigarette smokers and thirty healthy, non-smokers within the same age range participated in this study. Serum COHb level was estimated using ELISA reagent from Calbiotech, USA, while calcium concentration was estimated spectrophotometrically with commercially purchased kit from Randox, UK. Results showed higher concentration of COHb but lower concentration of calcium level among the cigarette smokers when compared with the non-smokers. There were no statistically significant differences observed in COHb levels between smokers with regard to smoking duration (<5 yrs vs. ≥5 yrs;p = 0.893) and number of sticks of cigarette per day (<5 sticks/day vs. ≥5 sticks/day;p = 0.256). In contrast, significantly higher mean COHb level was found in subjects who smoked “always” compared with those who smoked “occasionally” (p = 0.04) and those who smoked “rarely” (p = 0.006). On the other hand, the smokers’ serum calcium level was not affected by smoking duration, frequency and number of sticks consumed. In conclusion, the present study confirms that cigarette smoking contributes to abnormally high COHb levels, which is associated with adverse health consequences from carbon-monoxide poisoning in the body. In addition, cigarette smoking may interfere with the mechanisms responsible for the absorption of calcium in the gastro-intestinal tract, thus leading to poor absorption as well as low levels of calcium in the body.

Seroprevalence, Type-Specific of Herpes Simplex Virus and Associated Risk Factors among Women of Child Bearing Age in Kogi State, Nigeria

Background: Viruses of the Herpes viridae family infect 90% of the Earth’s population. Humans are the hosts of at least nine unique herpes viruses. Aim: This study is aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of type specific herpes simplex virus infection and the associated risk factors in a cross-section of asymptomatic healthy women of childbearing age in Kogi state, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 330 females of child bearing age (15 - 49 years) participated in this study. They were recruited from various local government areas of three Senatorial districts of Kogi state. Blood samples were collected from participants and analyzed for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies (IgG) quantitatively with ELISA kit. Results: The overall prevalence of HSV was 76.7%. Data further show that majority (96.4%) of the population studied had HSV-1, while 77% had HSV-2 infections. Results also showed that the young adults indicated prevalence of 95.7% for HSV-1 and 74.7% for HSV-2, while in the middle aged, the prevalence were 98.6% for HSV-1, and 84.9% for HSV-2. 99.2% of the married women were positive for HSV-1, while 86.9% were positive for HSV-2. 94.5% of the unmarried women were positive for HSV-1, while 70.5% were positive for HSV-2. The risk of HVS-1 or VS-2 infections was not associated with age, age of first sexual exposure and number sex partners before marriage. Married women were at greater risk for HSV-1 (p = 0.03) and HSV-2 (p ≤ 0.001) infections compared to the unmarried women. Conclusion: The prevalence of the HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections was high among asymptomatic healthy women of childbearing age in Kogi state, Nigeria. Efforts should be made to increase the awareness of HSV infection among the child bearing populace.

The Level of CD4⁺T Cell Count among Reproductive Age Women Coinfected with Human Immune Virus, Hepatitis Surface Antigen and Herpes Simplex Virus in Kogi State, Nigeria

Background: There are pockets of evidence to show the existence of co-infections of viral particles in humans. Aim: The study aimed at evaluating the CD4+ T cell count among women of reproductive age co-infected with human immune virus, hepatitis surface antigen and herpes simplex virusin Kogi state, Nigeria. Methodology: 342 females of reproductive age within the ages of 15 - 49 years participated in this study. They were recruited from various local government areas of three Senatorial districts of Kogi state. Blood samples were collected from participants and analyzed for HSV1/HSV2, HIV, HBsAg and CD4 using different scientific methods and procedures. Results: There was no significant differences in mean CD4+ T cell counts between subjects who tested positive and those who tested negative for only HSV1 (p = 0.61), HSV2 (p = 0.95), HIV (p = 0.48) and co-infection for HSV1, HSV2, HIV (0.68). In contrast, mean CD4+ T cell count was significantly higher in those who tested positive compared with those who tested negative for HBsAg alone (p = 0.03) and those co-infected with HSV1, HSV2, HBsAg (p = 0.01). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated no significant differences in CD4+ T cell counts among the different classes of infections. Conclusion: This study shows no decline in the count of CD4+ T cell on the co-infections of HSV1, HSV2 and HIV, but higher significant difference in those co-infected with HSV1, HSV2 and HBsAg was recorded among the women of child bearing age in Kogi state.

Seroprevalence of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i>Infection and Risk Factors among Asymptomatic Subjects in Delta State, Nigeria

Aim: The study aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection and its associated risk factors in a cross-section of asymptomatic adult population in Niger-Delta, Nigeria. Methodology: 408 apparently healthy volunteers, aged between 18 - 87 years were recruited for this study. Blood samples were collected from participants and analyzed for H. pylori antibody (IgG) qualitatively with Combo rapid kits and quantitatively with Accu-Bind ELISA Kits. Results: The overall prevalence of Helicobacter pylori colonization in 408 asymptomatic adults was 52.5% (n = 214) and 48.3% (n = 197) by qualitative (Combo rapid kits) and quantitative (Accu-Bind ELISA Kits) serological test methods respectively. H. pylori infection did not differ statistically between genders (p = 0.962) and among age groups (p = 0.185). In addition, multivariate logistic regression indicated that sex and age were not associated with risk of H. pylori. However, participants from Delta Central were at greater risk (OR = 1.89;p = 0.014) of H. pylori infection compared with those from Delta South, but those from Delta North were not at greater risk of infection compared with those from Delta South (p = 0.476). Conclusion: This study indicated an intermediate seroprevalence of H. pylori among asymptomatic adults in Delta state, Nigeria. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was linked to geographical regions but not with sex and age.

Assessment of Renal Biomarkers of Renal Function in Commercial Automobile Workers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Background: Blood-urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid and electrolytes are important biomarkers of renal function which could be considered as suitable prognostic indicators of renal dysfunction. Aim: The aim of this work was to assess renal biomarkers of renal function in commercial automobile workers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 158 males within the ages of 18 - 60 years participated in this study, 50 of which are control subjects. They were recruited for this study from various workshops in Benin City, while controls are unexposed volunteers. Results: It was observed that serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, chloride and bicarbonate levels in all the exposed groups were significantly higher (p Conclusion: This study indicated greater levels of some renal biomarkers in automobile workers compared with the controls. In addition, blood urea levels were elevated above normal range of values. These findings suggest that the occupationally exposed automobile workers may be at risk of renal diseases. This calls for urgent need for policy formulation that will prevent the vulnerable groups from kidney damage.