E C Ogbodo

Resistance to antibiotics is one of the greatest problems to the success of modern medication. Due to the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, selection of effective antibiotics for suppression of microbial activity has been an incidental issue. The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial activities of sweet orange juice on isolated S. aureus, E. coli, Pseudomonas spp, & Klebsiella spp, which were subjected to different concentrations of sweet orange juice to determine their response to the juice concentrations. 25%, 50%, & 100% concentrations were used respectively using a well-in-agar diffusion method and it was discovered that all the microorganisms were sensitive to the sweet orange juice at 100% concentration only with zones of inhibitions as follows: Staphylococcus aureus (4mm), E.coli (1mm), Klebsiella spp (1mm), & Pseudomonas spp (2mm). This shows that the juice cannot be recommended as alternative for antibiotics development since it only inhibited the microbial growth at 100% concentration only, and its respective zones of inhibition were minimal or less effective.   Keywords: Antibacterial susceptibility, Citrus sinensis (Sweet Orange) juice.

Background of study: sometimes known as sweet orange, is a fruit native to Southeast Asia that is now consumed all over the world as a rich source of vitamin C, a potent natural anti-oxidant that aids in optimal body function. The phytochemicals and selected antioxidants in sweet orange juice were determined in this study. Materials and Methods: The concentrations of phytochemicals in sweet orange juice were determined by titrimetrically measuring phytic acid and oxalate, gravimetrically measuring cardiac glycosides, and spectrophotometrically measuring saponins, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, and steroids against the absorbance of the control. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) was used as a standard control for measuring antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity against DPPH, NO, Hydroxyl value, HO, and Reducing power ability. Results: The results showed the presence of flavonoid (17.64±0.00), saponin (1.227±0.0028), terpenoids (1.64±0.74), phenol (0.50±0.0014), alkaloid (15.855±0.02), cardiac glycosides (6.3±1.40), steroid (7.68±0.00), oxalate (0.031±0.00), phytate (0.29±0.042) with tannin (282.925±0.30) being the most abundant. Antioxidants studies of the HO on the orange juice showed that as the concentration of the test sample increases, the scavenging activity increases. DPPH radical scavenging activity being an accepted mechanism for screening the anti-oxidants activity of plants extracts when compared with Ascorbic acid, the result showed that the Ascorbic acid has more scavenging property than the DPPH. With an increasing level of the Ascorbic acid absorbance, the result showed strong reducing power ability. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of the sweet orange juice extract when compared with the ascorbic acid showed that the Ascorbic acid has more scavenging activity. Conclusion: sweet orange may be recommended for individuals due to its rich antioxidants and phytochemical properties.   Keywords: Orange (Citrus sinensis), Phytochemicals, Antioxidants

This study evaluated the serum concentrations of Immunoglobulin M and Immunoglobulin A in individuals with TB, HIV and HIV-TB co-infection in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi South East, Nigeria. A total of 80 participants (males=44; females=36), with a mean age of 35.83±7.3 were randomly recruited by convenient sampling technique from patients attending TB-DOTS and HIV Clinics in NAUTH and grouped as: TB positive individuals (Group I), HIV-TB co-infection (Group II), HIV positives (Group III), and control (Group IV). 5mls of venous blood samples were collected from each participants using plain containers for estimation of immunoglobulin A and M classes by Immuno-turbidimetric Method. The results obtained showed that mean serum levels of IgM (78.14±42.41 and IgA (374.45±15.69) were significantly increased in participants with HIV-TB co-infection when compared with TB (49.21±3.67) and (315.41±52.79), HIV (41.91±25.97) and (342.23±92.67 and control groups (55.82±35.36) and (322.66±71.34) at p Keywords: HIV, TB, HIV-TB co-infection, Immunoglobulins, NAUTH.

Occupational exposure to hazardous metals or heavy metals has remained an issue of public health importance owing to the grave implications it has on human health. This study evaluated the effect of occupational exposure to heavy metals on the liver functions in persons working in a cable manufacturing factory in Nnewi. A total of 79 apparently healthy individuals comprising of 39 persons working in cable producing factory (test group) and 40 control participants aged between 18 and 56 years were recruited for the study. Five millilitres (5mls) of venous blood sample was collected from each individual into plain container for the evaluation of biochemical parameters. Serum total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), direct bilirubin (DB), total bilirubin (TB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were assayed for using standard laboratory methods. Results showed significant increases in the AST (27.552.08 Vs 9.150.13) and ALP (238.3724.40 Vs 20.700.48) activities and in levels of TP (7.820.27 Vs7.100.04) and DB (4.140.30 Vs 2.670.07) in cable factory workers when compared with the control subjects (p0.05). Furthermore, gender differences were observed in the values of DB, AST, and ALP compared with control. Results also showed no significant effects of age and length of service (LOS) on the liver function status of factory workers studied. Thus, this study revealed no liver impairment among the cable factory workers studied as a result of occupational exposure. This could be attributable to the short term duration of exposure of the factory workers. Keywords: Occupational exposure, Heavy metals, Liver, Liver functions, Cable factory, Age, LOS, Gender.

Leafy vegetables are important items of diet in every home and a number of them are medicinal plants that have been used for curing diseases and have been documented in history of civilization. The current study was aimed at assessing the hepatoprotective potential of the aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis(TO) on the Liver function parameters in Adult Wistar Rats. The sixteen rats used for this study were randomized into groups A, B,C and D. Rats in groups B, C and D were treated with 150, 300 and 600mg/kg.bwt of the leaf extract respectively by intubation for 28 days while group A served as control. Aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were determined using standard laboratory methods. There was a significant reduction in mean body weight (p was no significant difference in the mean serum ALT activity (p>0.05) in the treated groups compared with control respectively. Therefore, it could be concluded that aqueous leaf extract of TO has hepatoprotective effect. Keywords: Telfaira occidentalis, Liver liver enzymes weight.

Today, industrialization has been implicated in the generation of certain compounds which are potentially hazardous to human life. This is a cross sectional study designed to evaluate some heavy metal levels in blood of lead acid battery manufacturing factory workers in Nnewi, Nigeria. A total of 39 apparently healthy individuals in lead acid battery manufacturing factory aged between 19 and 56 years and 79 control individuals (comprising of 39 control individuals from Nnewi (N) and 40 control individuals from Elele (E) respectively) aged between 18 and 44 years were recruited for the study. Demographic data and body mass index (BMI) of participants were obtained using structured questionnaire and thereafter, 5ml of venous blood sample was collected from each individual for the evaluation of heavy metal levels (Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Se) using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results showed that the factory workers had an average length of service (LOS) of 7.700.86 years and BMI which did not differ significantly when compared with the control groups (control N and E individuals) respectively (p>0.05). However, elevated levels of Ni, As and Pb and decreased levels of Cu, Zn and Se were observed in the blood of the factory workers compared with control N and E individuals respectively (p has shown that these individuals may be prone to heavy metal toxicity and possible depletion on some vital micronutrients which may have grave health consequences for individuals dwelling in this area. Keywords: Industrialization, Lead acid battery manufacturing factory, Heavy metals, Body mass index (BMI), Age, Length of service (LOS).

Metronidazole (MTZ) has been reported to cause neurotoxicity and this has great public health importance. This is an experimental study designed to evaluate the effects of metronidazole on the histology of the cerebellum and pituitary gland in female wistar rats. Twenty (20) adult female wistar rats weighing between 170-260g were divided into four groups (A-D) comprising of five (5) rats each. Group A (the control), was given normal rat feed with water, while group B, C, and D received 50mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg body weight of MTZ orally on daily basis using intubation method for a period of twenty eight (28) days respectively. Thereafter, the experimental animals were sacrificed and their respective cerebellum and pituitary gland harvested for histological examination using haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) method. The histological examination of the cerebellum of the experimental animals in group A (control) revealed a normal histological limits, showing the cortex, prominent purkinje cells and granular layer. However, the rats in group B showed mild congestion of cerebellar blood vessels; group C showed mild displacement of the purkinje cells and the granular layer while group D revealed the displacement of the purkinje cells and the granular layer. Furthermore, the pituitary gland of the control rats (group A) showed normal histological limits. There was no significant change in the histology of the pituitary gland of the rats in group B (50mg/kg body weight of MTZ) but in the group C animals, the pars nervosa displayed the pituicytes with mild necrosis while those in group D showed that there was a reduction in the presence of pituicytes and mild congestion of the blood vessels. Thus, metreonidazole has an adverse effect on the cerebellum and pituitary gland. Keywords: Metronidazole (MTZ), Weight, Cerebellum, Pituitary gland, Neurotoxicity.

Background of Study: Heavy metal contamination and exposure in work environment is an issue of great public health implication. Aim of the Study: this cross sectional study assessed the renal function status in occupationally exposed people working in metal fabricating factory in Nnewi South Eastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 apparently healthy individuals in metal fabricating factory aged between 19 and 56 years and 79 control subjects (comprising of 39 control subjects from Nnewi (N) and 40 control subjects from Elele (E) respectively) aged between 18 and 44 years were recruited for the study. 5ml of venous blood sample was collected from each subject for the determination of biochemical parameters (potassium, sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea and creatinine levels) using standard laboratory methods. Results: The current study showed significantly elevated levels of sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine (p Conclusion: This study revealed the deleterious effect of heavy metal exposure at the work place on the functionality of the kidneys. Keywords: Metal fabrication, Factory workers, Occupational exposure, Heavy metals, Kidney function, Body mass index, Length of service, Age.

Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) has been shown to contain bioactive substances which may possess medicinal potentials. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Telfaira occidentalis on the levels of packed cell volume, Hemoglobin, Red blood cell and White blood cell in wistar rats. A total of sixteen female rats weighing between 140-240g were divided into four groups (1-4) comprising of four (4) rats each. Group 1 (control), received normal rat feed with water only, while group 2-4 were administered with 150mg/kg, 300mg/kg and 600mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis orally for 28days respectively. Thereafter, blood samples from the experimental animals were assayed for the packed cell volume (PCV), Hemoglobin (Hb), Red blood cell (RBC) and White blood cell (WBC) concentrations using Mythic 22 automated hematology analyzer. The result indicates that the concentrations of blood indices of the rats in the experimental groups were significantly increased than in the control in each case (pTelfairia occidentalis may be useful as an acceptable blood booster in an anaemic condition as it possess haematinic properties. Keywords: Telfairia occidentalis, Packed cell volume, Hemoglobin, White blood cell, Red blood cell, Haematinic properties.

Introduction of Study: Heavy metals are toxic and have adverse effects on human health depending on the intensity and duration of exposure. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study designed to assess the heavy metal levels in blood of cable manufacturing factory workers in Nnewi, Nigeria. A total of forty (40) apparently healthy individuals from the cable manufacturing factory (the exposed group) aged between 19 and 56 years and 79 control individuals (comprising of 39 control individuals from Nnewi (N) and 40 control individuals from Elele (E) respectively) aged between 18 and 44 years were recruited for the study. The body mass index (BMI) and length of service (LOS) of participating individuals were obtained using structured questionnaire and thereafter, 10ml of venous blood sample was collected from each individual for the evaluation of heavy metal levels (Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Se) using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results: There was no significant difference in Body mass index (BMI) of factory workers compared with control subjects (P>0.05). There were significant increases in the mean levels of Ni, As and Pb and decreases in Cu, Zn and Se levels in cable manufacturing factory workers than in controls (p respectively. However, no significant statistical correlations were found between metal levels in factory workers and age as well as LOS (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study has shown a possible metal toxicity and deficiency of microelements in the subjects studied and these may impact negatively on human health. Keywords: Cable manufacturing factory workers, Factory effluents, Heavy metals, Body mass index (BMI), Age, Length of service (LOS).

This study examined the rheological indices of chickens exposed to factory sites in Nnewi Nigeria. A total of twenty-nine (29) chickens aged four (4) to five (5) months comprising of 16 chickens exposed to factory sites and 13 non exposed chickens (control birds) were used for the present study. Five (5) ml of blood sample was collected from the heart of the animal into EDTA containers for the evaluation of rheological indices under study. The red cell count (RCC), hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total white blood cell (TWBC) and lymphocyte levels were assayed by using Mythic 22 automated hematology analyzer observing standard laboratory practice. The RCC and lymphocyte levels of the factory chickens were significantly increased (p0.05) between the Hb, PCV, MCHC and TWBC levels of the factory chickens and the control birds respectively. These results may be attributed to the short duration of this study and the fact that these chickens were not directly exposed to these industrial effluents. Keywords: Chickens, Factory sites, Heavy metals, Rheological indices, Elele, Nnewi.

Background: Heavy metal toxicity has proved to be a major threat to human health as several health risks are associated with it. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study designed to assess the heavy metal levels in blood of metal forging factory workers in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of eighteen (18) apparently healthy subjects from the exposed group (metal forging factory) aged between 19 and 56 years and 79 control subjects (comprising of 39 control subjects from Nnewi (N) and 40 control from Elele (E) respectively) aged between 18 and 44 years were recruited for the study. The body mass index (BMI) and length of service (LOS) of the subjects were obtained using structured questionnaire and thereafter, 10ml of venous blood sample was collected from each individual for the assessment of heavy metal levels (Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Se) using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results: The result revealed that the body mass index (BMI) of the metal forging factory workers differed significantly compared with control N subjects (24.75±0.38) and E subjects (23.58±0.67) (p5.74±1.21 years. There were significant increases in the mean levels of Ni, As and Pb and decreases in Cu, Zn and Se levels in the metal forging factory workers compared with control subjects (p Conclusion: This study showed elevated levels of Ni, As and Pb and decreased levels of Cu, Zn and Se in the blood of metal forging factory workers. Keywords: Heavy metal, Metal forging factory, Body mass index (BMI), Length of Service (LOS).

Introduction of Study: Heavy metal contamination or toxicity poses serious deleterious effects to human health. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study designed to assess the heavy metal levels in blood of metal fabricating factory workers in Nnewi. A total of 39 apparently healthy individuals in the exposed group (metal fabricating factory workers) aged between 19 and 56 years and 79 control individuals (comprising of 39 control individuals from Nnewi (N) and 40 control individuals from Elele (E) respectively) aged between 18 and 44 years were recruited for the study. Demographic data and anthropometric indices (BMI) of participating individuals were obtained using structured questionnaire and thereafter, 10ml of venous blood sample was collected from each individual for the evaluation of heavy metal levels (Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Se) using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results: This showed that these workers had an average length of service (LOS) of 11.92±2.77 years with no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) of factory workers compared with control N and E individuals (p>0.05) respectively. Ni, As and Pb levels and Cu, Zn and Se levels were significantly elevated and reduced respectively in factory workers than in controls (p0.05). Conclusion: This study showed elevated levels of Ni, As and Pb and decreased levels of Cu, Zn and Se in the blood of metal fabricating factory workers and this demands urgent attention. Keywords: Metal fabricating factory, Factory workers, Heavy metals, Body mass index (BMI), Age, Length of service (LOS).

Objective: Nnewi is a growing industrial town in Nigeria and the industries are sited very close to human habitation. Exposure to industrial effluents come with deleterious consequences. The purpose of this study was to investigate the liver function status of chickens exposed to these factory sites in Nnewi Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of twenty-nine (29) chicks were allowed to feed from the surrounding homeland of the factory until they aged between four (4) and five (5) months as adult birds (chickens) for the study. The chickens were sacrificed to obtain the blood for analyses. Five (5) ml of blood sample was collected from the heart into plain containers and the serum obtained was used for the estimation of biochemical parameters. Total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assayed using standard laboratory procedures. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using Students t-test using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 16) software. Statistical significance was tested at p Results: The mean serum TP, ALB, TB and DB levels as well as ALP activity in chickens reared around factory sites were not significantly different when compared with the control chickens (p>0.05), however, the mean serum activities of AST and ALT were significantly elevated in the factory exposed chickens than those of the control chicken (p Conclusion: This study found a possible compromise between the liver enzymes and the factory environment which could result in poor growth of the chickens. It is recommended that factories be sited away from the reach of the chickens. Keywords: Industrialization, Factory site, Liver, Protein, Bilirubin, Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, Chickens (Gallus gallus domestica), Nnewi.

Smoking has been known to cause a wide range of deleterious effects on human health but the impact of cannabis use on the antioxidant vitamins are not well known. In this study, we evaluated the effect of cannabis smoking on antioxidant vitamin C and E levels of male cannabis smokers in Nnewi, Nigeria. A total of hundred (100) male participants aged between 18 and 45 years (50 cannabis smokers and 50 non-smokers) were recruited for the present study. Also, the anthropometric indices (height, weight and body mass index (BMI) of the participants were measured while other relevant data such the feeding habit, life style and age of the subjects were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Afterwards, 5 ml of venous blood sample was collected from each participant into plain containers and used for laboratory analysis by using standard methods. There was a significant decrease in the vitamin C and E levels in cannabis smokers than in non-smokers (p=0.000), whereas, the weight and BMI of both groups were similar (p>0.05). This study has shown that cannabis smoking depletes the antioxidant vitamins C and E status in users. Thus, antioxidant supplementation may be necessary in the diet of cannabis smokers as a way of boosting their antioxidant status. Keywords: Smoking, Cannabis sativus, Marijuana, Oxidative stress, Antioxidant, Vitamin C, Vitamin E.

Exposure to factory effluents comes with deleterious consequences. The purpose of this study was to assess the histopathological effect of factory effluents on the liver and kidney tissues of chickens (Gallus gallus domestica) reared around factory sites in Nnewi Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of twenty-nine chicks comprising of sixteen chicks exposed to factory sites and thirteen non-exposed chicks were grown to adult birds (chickens) for the study and were allowed to feed from the surrounding homeland of the factories including lead acid battery manufacturing factory (A), metal fabricating factory (B) and metal forging factory (C) respectively until they were aged between four and five months as adult birds (chickens) for the study. The chickens were sacrificed to obtain the liver and kidney tissues for histological analyses. The histopathological evaluation of the effect of the factory effluents on the liver and kidney tissues of birds reared around the four factories (A-D) and control were done by microscopic examination of haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections. The results obtained in factory A, B and C showed widening of the liver central vein and thickening of the vessels with invasion of the surrounding areas by chronic inflammatory cells as against the controls which showed fairly normal liver tissues with normal liver parenchyma cells with a central vein containing blood cells. Also, the photomicrographs of the kidney tissues of birds reared around factory A, B and C showed evidence of marked glomerulo-nephritis and hypercellularity with evidence of glomerulosclerosis and hyalinization of the glomeruli as against the normal glomeruli and tubules found in the control birds. These results indicate that the environment where these birds are reared is a potential threat to the lives of the birds reared around these factories. Keywords: Factory site, Factory effluents, Liver, Kidney, Chicken (Gallus gallus domestica), Nnewi metropolis.

This case control study was aimed at evaluating the estimated glomerular filtration rate (egfr), serum creatinine, urea and electrolytes profile levels in diabetic subjects attending medical outpatient clinic, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria. The protocol for the study was explained to the prospective subjects and those who gave informed consent were recruited. . A total of 114 subjects comprising of 57 diabetic subjects and 57 controls aged between 40 and 73 years were recruited for the study. The patients and controls were aged and sex matched. Thereafter, 5mls of blood sample was collected from each subject into plain container for estimation of biochemical parameters. Serum creatinine and urea were assayed by colorimetric method. The eGFR was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula while serum electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3-) were determined using Ion Selective Electrode (ISE). Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 was used for the analysis of the data obtained using Students’t-test and pearson correlation and presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). The results revealed a significant decreases in the mean serum levels of eGFR, Creatinine and bicarbonate in diabetic subjects than in the control (p0.05) respectively. Also, no significant differences were observed between both male and female subjects in the parameters studied (p>0.05). There was also a strong negative correlation between serum sodium and eGFR, as well as between creatinine and eGFR in the diabetic subjects (r = -0.016, -0.930 respectively), (P Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Kidney disease, Estimated Glomerular Filtration (eGFR), Creatinine, Urea, Electrolytes. 

This study investigated the lipid profile levels of the factory chickens in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of twenty-nine chicks aged between four and five months were grown to adult birds (chickens) for the study. They were allowed to feed from the surrounding homeland until they were due for the experiment. The chickens were sacrificed to obtain the blood for analyses. Thereafter, 5ml of blood sample was collected from the heart into plain containers for estimation of biochemical parameters: triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). Biochemical parameters were assayed using standard laboratory methods. Thereafter, the data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis by Students t-test using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) (Version 16) software and Statistical significance was tested at P0.05). These findings may be attributed to the short duration of this study. Keywords: Industrialization, Industrial effluent, Lipid profile, Factory chickens (Gallus gallus domestica), Nnewi.

This study investigated the effect of alcohol consumption on some male reproductive hormone (Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Testosterone (TT) levels in Nnewi Metropolis. Seventy two subjects comprising of 41 male (21 acute and 20 chronic) alcohol consumers and 31 controls aged between 18 and 50 years old were recruited for this study. Anthropometric data (height, weight and body mass index (BMI) as well as socio-demographic data of the subjects were obtained. Thereafter, 5mls of blood sample was collected from each subject and dispensed into plain container and used for laboratory analysis. Serum LH, FSH, and TT levels were estimated using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The result revealed a significantly higher mean weight, BMI as well as serum LH levels respectively in alcohol consumers than in control (p0.05). More so, the mean weight, BMI, as well as serum LH and FSH levels were similar in both acute and chronic alcohol consumers respectively (p>0.05), While there was a significant decrease in the mean serum TT level in chronic alcohol consumers than in acute alcohol consumers (p Keywords: Alcohol consumption, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Testosterone, Weight, Body mass index, Hypogonadism.