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Joshua, P. E.
- Effects of Age and Parity Associated with Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) on Some Biochemical Parameters of Some Pregnant Women in Enugu Metropolis of Nigeria
Authors
1 Dept. of Science Laboratory Technology (Biochemistry Option), Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, NG
2 Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NG
Source
Research Journal of Science and Technology, Vol 2, No 2 (2010), Pagination: 23-28Abstract
This study aims at investigating the effects of age and parity (number of children had by mother) associated with protein energy malnutrition (PEM) on some biochemical indices in pregnant women in Enugu metropolis of Nigeria. Serum total protein, albumin, urea, total cholesterol, creatinine and calcium were evaluated in three groups of female subjects as part of an investigation on the biochemical changes associated with protein energy malnutrition (PEM) in pregnant women. The first group were 52 pregnant women with low total protein (<52g/l), the second group were 50 pregnant women with normal total protein (>52g/l) while the third group were 50 non-pregnant, non-lactating, apparently healthy women with normal total protein (>63kg). All the subjects were resident in Enugu metropolis and aged between 20 to 40 years. The pregnant subjects were in different gestational stages of pregnancy, having different parity and attending the antenatal clinic of Parklane Specialist Hospital, Enugu. The results show that parity (i.e. the number of children had by mother) correlated negatively (p<0.05) with serum total protein, urea, total cholesterol, creatinine and calcium.Keywords
Age, Parity, Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM), Pregnancy, Biochemical.
- Antidiabetic and Antilipidemic Effects of Alkaloidal Extract of Emilia sonchifolia in Rat
Authors
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, NG
2 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, IN
3 Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, IN
Source
Research Journal of Science and Technology, Vol 2, No 3 (2010), Pagination: 51-56Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a multifacial endocrine disease that affects many organs in the body like cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, nervous system and the eyes. Insulin therapy and the use of antidiabetic drugs have helped tremendously in the management of this disease but produce side effects like cardiovascular disease and weight gain. Local diabetics allegedly use extracts of Emilia sonchifolia leave in treatment of diabetes, hence, we deem it necessary to investigate the effects of the alkaloidal extract of the leave on glucose, cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in dihtizone- induced diabetes.
Methods: Dithizone (5mg/dl) was used to induce a partial destruction of the pancreas. Dithizone- induced diabetic rats were divided into five groups (A-E). The rats were treated with 16, 32, 48mg of extract/kg body weight, 48mg/kg of chlorpropamide (positive control) and 5mls of normal saline(negative control) for groups A, B, C, D and E respectively for 6, 12, 18 and 24hrs.
Results: Dithizone significantly (p<0.05) increased the glucose, cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels by percentage ranges of 32.45-36.55, 13.67-20.78 and 7.62-20.18% respectively. Both the graded concentration of the extract and chlorpropamide reduced the glucose, cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. The extract however, reduced cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels more than the chlorpropamide and control; while the chlorpropamide reduced the glucose level more than the extract and control.
Conclusion: The alkaloid extract of Emilia sonchifolia seems to have effect on experimental diabetes and its associated lipidemia. Further studies are needed for characterization of the extract and implementation.