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.

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.

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.

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.