Ezeugwunne Ifeoma Priscilla

Abstract

This study evaluated the microalbumin, cystatin C, creatinine and uric acid levels in HIV patients in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi (NAUTH). A total of one hundred (100) male and female HIV positive and control participants who were aged between 18 and 60 years attending the voluntary counseling and testing unit (VCT) and antiretroviral therapy unit (ART) of NAUTH were randomly recruited for the study and grouped thus: Group A (HIV positive symptomatic participants on long term ART (HPSPLTART) (n= 25); Group B (HIV positive symptomatic participants on short term ART (HPSPSTART) (n= 25); Group C: Asymptomatic HIV positive participants NOT on ART (AHPPNART) (n=25) and Group D: control (n=25).6mls of blood sample and 10mls of freshly voided urine samples were collected from each of the participants for the evaluation of biochemical parameters using standard laboratory methods. Results showed significantly higher BMI and SBP in HPSPSTART than in control (p=0.04; 0.02). SBP was significantly higher in HPSPLTART than in AHPPNART and Control (p=0.00). DBP was significantly higher in HPSPLTART than in HPSPSTART and control respectively (p=0.00). There were significantly higher plasma creatinine and Cys-C levels in both male HIV positives and male HIV positive participants on ART than in both females respectively (p0.00; 0.02). Also, BMI, creatinine, uric acid and Cystatin C levels were significantly higher in male HIV negative participants than in female HIV negative participants (p=0.00; 0.04; 0.02; 0.01). This study has revealed greater risk for renal disease among the HIV participants studied. Keywords: HIV, Kidney, Kidney function, Microalbumin, cystatin-C, creatinine, Uric acid, Males, Females

Open full article page

Abstract

This study determined the pattern of alpha-fetoprotein, CD4+ count, albumin, AST, ALT and ALP in HIV positive subjects on long term antiretroviral therapy in NAUTH Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of ninety six (96) participants who were aged between 18 and 60 years attending the voluntary counseling and testing unit (VCT) and antiretroviral therapy unit (ART) of NnamdiAzikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi were randomly recruited for the study and grouped based on WHO criteria for HIV staging. Six millilitres (6mls) of blood sample were collected from each of the participants in each group and dispensed into EDTA and plain containers in appropriate volumes for the determination of the alpha fetoprotein (AFP), albumin (ALB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and CD4+ count using standard laboratory methods. Results revealed no statistically significant differences in mean AFP levels, AST and ALP activities when compared between HIV positive participants on long term ART, short term ART, and HIV positive subjects not on ART and control groups respectively (p>0.05). Serum albumin concentration and ALT was not significantly different in HIV positive participants on long term ART than in those on short term ART (p>0.05) although serum albumin levels were significantly higher in HIV participants on long term ART and short term ART than in HIV positive subjects not on ART in each case (p count was significantly higher in HIV positive participants on long term ART when compared with those o short term ART and HIV positive participants not on ART respectively (p Keywords: HIV, AIDS, Long term ART, AFP, Albumin, Liver enzymes, CD4+ count.

Open full article page

Abstract

Introduction: Chicken egg contains a number of biological substances which may play pivotal roles in human nutrition and health. Aim: This is a case control study designed to assess the effect of chicken egg consumption on antioxidant status and lipid profile levels in students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of thirty (30) participants comprising of fifteen (15) male and female students aged between eighteen (18) and twenty six (26) years were randomly recruited for the study. Five milliliters (5mls) of baseline samples (after an overnight fast) were collected from participants at day 0 as baseline samples and levels of antioxidants (TAC and MDA) and lipid profile were evaluated. Subsequently, in addition to their normal diet, each of the participants received one (1) egg before meal daily for a period of 30 days. After an overnight fast, 5mls of post research (post test) samples was collected on day 31 and the levels of antioxidants and lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C) were re-evaluated using standard laboratory methods. Also, the body mass index (BMI) of the participants was determined. Results: the results showed that the consumption of one (1) chicken egg per day for a period of 30 days caused a significant increase (p0.05) respectively after (day 31) egg consumption compared to baseline (day 0) values. Also, gender comparisons revealed no significant alterations in the mean TAC, MDA, TC, LDL-C and HDL-C levels (p>0.05) respectively while the mean serum TG level was significantly higher in female participants than in the males after egg consumption (p Conclusion: this study revealed that the consumption of one chicken egg per day for a period of thirty days has beneficial effects on the antioxidant status and lipid profile levels in healthy individuals. Keywords: Egg, Chicken, Oxidative stress, Antioxidants, Malondialdehyde (MDA), Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Lipid profile.

Open full article page