L. C. Chuku ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NG

Abstract

Objectives: Hematological and biochemical analysis studies of ruminant vertebrates (cow, sheep and goat) will provide us an acceptable method for understanding the ecological relationship among the vertebrates. Methods: Haematological/Biochemical studies were carried out on blood from the ruminants: Goat (Capra hircus-L), sheep (Ovis Aries dolrchra), cattle (Bos taurus) and human (Homosapiens) as control. Results: Electrophoretically, goat blood revealed three different Hb polymorphic types: HbAA (45%), HbAS (50%) and HbSS (5%). Only the 'O' Rh blood group was observed in all cases, and GST values of 4.05-6.30 I.U were obtained on the other hand. Cow Hb electrophoresis produced two patterns corresponding to the human HbAA and HbAS types. Only the 'O' Rh^- blood group was obtained in all cases and GST values of 2.85-5.02 I.U were obtained, while sheep blood produced only the HbAA-type, only the 'O' blood group was identified in all case. GST activity values were in the range of 3.05-4.52 IU. Conclusion: These results could point to a definite haematological and biochemical similarity between man and ruminants and thus serves as a springboard for further genetic studies using lower vertebrate's as research models.

Keywords

Haemoglobin, Glutathione-S-transferase, Genotype, Erythrocyte

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E. Edeh Imomotimi ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ¹, N. C. Chinaka ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, PMB -5323, PHC, R/S, NG
2 Department of Biochemistry, Madonna University, PMB-48, Elele, R/S, NG

Abstract

The invitro study on the effect of the antimalarial drugs; Chloroquine, Lariam, Camoquine, Quinine, Halfan and Fansidar on human serum lactate dehydrogenase activity was investigated at pH 7.5., results obtained revealed that chloroquine had little or no significant effect on the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase activity while others (lariam, camoquine, quinine, halfan, and fansidar) activated the enzyme in a concentration dependent manner.

Keywords

Drugs, Anti-malarial, Activity, Concentration, Enzyme, Inhibition, Diagnosis

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O. C. U. Adumanya ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ², G. A. Obi-Adumanya ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Science Lab Technology, Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Imo State, NG
2 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, NG

Abstract

Objective: Malaria is one of the commonest tropical diseases plaguing the African continent and the rural areas of the continent in particular, Hence this study was carried out to analyze the effect of malaria on the overall farm income of the rural households, the level of awareness and use of modern preventive measures of treating malaria in Umuna Orlu and Umuagwo Ohaji Egbema in Imo State. Methods: Stratified random sampling procedure was employed for the research survey in which the first level of stratification involved the random selection of two local government area (L.G.A.) the second level of stratification was that of selection of 12 villages and the third level of stratification was the selection of 42 households each from the villages. A total number of 500 respondents were finally used for data analysis using both descriptive and multiple regression techniques. Results: Low level of awareness (60%) use of modern preventive measures (20%), poor sanitary conditions and large household eight persons), were the major factors responsible for the high malaria incidence in the rural household. The increase in malaria incidence however had a significant effect on the health and farm income of the farmers through increase in the number of days of incapacitation of an average of 209 days and an income loss of N43, 020 during the days of incapacitation. The recommended policies arising from the economic implications of these empirical findings were that public enlightenment under the aegis of the "Roll Back malaria campaign" should be intensified in the rural areas in particular and treated mosquito bed nets provided at subsidized rates to rural households. Farmers on their part should keep clean environment.

Keywords

Incapacitation, Malaria, Rural Households, Farm Income

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L. C. Chuku ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NG

Abstract

In this study the following biochemical and haematological studies on Catfish (Clarius gariepianus); Mullet (Mugi cephalus), Tilpia (Oreochromis niloticus), mudskipper (Gobi I), African sleeper (Gobi-II), were carried out; Haemmoglobin electrophorosis, ABO Blood grouping and Glutathine-S-Transferase (GST) activity. About 50% of catfish indicated the Rh.D^- while thew remaining 50% indicated the Rh.D⁺ blood group/. The 'A' 'O' and 'AB' blood groups were detected and glutathione-S- transferase activity values of 5.64 - 7.27 I.U were obtained. Hb concentration values were of the range of 5.5 -10.7gm% blood group results gave values of 50% D⁺ (A,O) and 50% (AB). GST activity values of 13.50-20.10 I.U were obtained. Gobi-I and Gobi-II Hb electrophoretic pattern was similar to human HbSS blood with Hb concentration range of 1.8-5.57gm%. GST activity values of 16.97-33.08 I.U. were obtained. Haemoglobin electrophoresis of Tilapia produced multiple patterns corresponding to human HbSS, HbCC and possibly HbCD. Hb concentration values were of the range of 3.70-12.94gm% and GST opf 9.90-12.92 I.U were obtained. Only the 'O' and 'AB' blood groups were identified.

Keywords

Haemoglobin, Glutathione-S-Transferase, Genotype, Serum

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E. M. Arhoghro ¹, E. O. Anosike ², A. A. Uwakwe ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Medical Biochemistry, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, NG
2 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NG

Abstract

In the current study, the dose dependent(5% and 10%) and time course curative potential of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum (O.G.) on cisplatin induced nephrotoxic rats using biochemical and histopathological approaches was evaluated. Male albino wistar rats weighing between 150-200g were randomly separated into four different groups. Tissue damage was induced in rats of groups 2, 3 and 4 by a single intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin(5mg/kg b.w). Test rats in groups' 3 and 4 were treated 3 days after cisplatin injection intraperitoneally (i.p) with 5% and 10% C.C. accordingly for 3,6,9 and 12 days. Rats in group 2 were given sterile water in place of the extracts while rats in group I were the untreated controls. They were all allowed unlimited access to tap water and growers' mash. Cisplatin treatment caused increases (P≤ 0.05) in serum urea from 5.733 ± 0.06 to 13.000 ± 0.10 mmol/l, creatinine, uric acid, urine volume and urinary protein. Significant decreases (P≤ 0.05) in urinary creatinine were also observed. There were considerable decreases (P≤ 0.05) in body weight and increase (P≤ 0.05) in kidney weight to body weight ratio. However most of these changes were alleviated by prophylactic treatment with aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum dose and time dependently (P≤ 0.05).The ameliorating effect was further evident through decreased histopathological alterations of kidney tissues in the groups treated with aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum (5% and 10%). The results of this study indicate that aqueous leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum affect the course of tubular repair after the onset of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats with accelerated recovery. Hence the extracts have the potential to be used for the management of nephropathies and as a therapeutic adjuvant in cisplatin toxicity.

Keywords

Ocimum gratissimum, Nephrotoxicity, Cisplatin, Nephropathies

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C. U. Ogunka-Nnoka ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ², N. C. Nwachoko ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Chemistry, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, NG
2 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, NG

Abstract

The effect of ethanol/potash extract of the leaf sheath of Sorghum bicolor on the histology and serum enzymes was investigated using wistar albino rat placed in four groups of five rats each. The following quantities: 1000, 2000 and 3000mg of the extract was administered orally to the albino rats per kg body weight, while 0.5ml of 0.9% normal saline solution served as control to the fourth group. The rats were dissected after 14 days. Results for Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ranges as follows: 30-46 U/L, 07/137 U/L and 38-130U/L respectively. The high values of these liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP) relative to control values are indicative of severe intra hepatic cell damage. Histopathological examination also, revealed lesion or alteration in the morphological features of the liver and kidney in all the animals. This sample used in the management of anaemia has been observed in rats under the conditions of this study to be toxic to both the liver and the kidney.

Keywords

Sorghum bicolor, Ethanol/potash, Serum Enzyme, Histological, Albino Rat

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S. C. Onuoha ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ¹, N. C. Nwachoko ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port, Harcourt, Choba, NG

Abstract

The invivo effects of three oral hypoglycaemic drugs viz., daonil (a glIbenclamide), diabenese (a sulphonylurea) and glucophage (a metformin) on erythrocyte nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) methaemoglobin reductase activity of Wister albino rats (Rattus rattus) were monitored at drug concentrations of 0.00, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03mg/200g body weight. The effects of the drugs were monitored for fourteen days at intervals of 1, 2 , 6 and 14 day(s) followed by administration of each drug. Three rats were used per each drug concentration per time interval (days). NADPH activity was measured at pH 8.0 and at 37°C. Glucophage activated NADPH methaemoglobin reductase activity in a concentration dependent manner with optimal activity obtained at a concentration of 0.03mg/200g body weight and on the sixth day of drug administration. For instance, at drug concentrations of 0.00, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03mg/200g body weight and at 6th day of administration, NADPH activity (IU/L) of 1.56 ± 0.04, 5.33+ 0.20, 7.45 ± 0.53 and 12.49 ± 0.62 were obtained for glucophage . The increase in enzyme activity following drug administration was progressive with time duration (in days). Maximum effect was obtained on the sixth day, which declines on the 14th day. At the same concentrations, the activities of NADPH methaemoglobin reductase for daonil were: 1.56 ± 0.03, 0.92 ± 0.09, 0.94 ± 0.11, 1.17 ± 0.01 respectively. Thus, there was an inhibitory effect when daonil was administered (P<0.05) while for diabenese there was no significant effect at P<0.05. Thus, only glucophage displayed a significant increase in activity (P<0.05). The implications of these findings to the functional integrity of erythrocytes are discussed in this work.

Keywords

Hypoglycemia, NADPH, Erythrocyte, Daonil, Diabenese, Glucophage

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O. C. Adumanya ¹, O. B. Odeghe ², A. A. Uwakwe ², F. C. Onwuka ², E. C. Ebiringa ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Imo State, NG
2 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NG

Abstract

Malaria is one of the most serious health challenges facing the world today. It is a disease caused by plasmodium. Successful malarial control depends greatly on treatment with effective anti-malarial drugs. Countries have implemented many national malarial treatment policy, which specifies drugs for treatment of both uncomplicated and severe malaria in pregnancy and what to do if first line treatment fails. This investigation is based on the antiplasmodial effects of Metaprim and Alaxin on some selected supplements such as grape juice, orange juice, supermalt and vitamin C. 80 patients (adults) infected with malaria parasites were chosen for this study. After which the anti-malarial drugs and the supplements were co-administered appropriately for 3 days. The result shows that the concomitant administration of the drugs with the multivitamin (super-malt) did not alter the efficacy and potency of the drugs, while grape juice, orange juice and vitamin C altered the efficacy and potency of the drugs. Therefore, the concomitant administration of these anti-malarial drugs with grape juice, orange juice and vitamin C as supplements should be avoided during the period of malaria treatment for the efficacy of drugs.

Keywords

Antiplasmodial ,Alaxin, Metaprim, Plasmodium, Supplements

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N. F. Okoye ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ¹, D. C. Belonwu ¹, N. C. Nwachoko ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. P.M.B 5323, Port Harcourt, NG

Abstract

Microgynon (0.15mg levonorgestrel and 0.03mg ethinylestradiol), is an oral contraceptives Primolut -N a mini pill (5mg norethisterone) were analysed for their in-vivo effects on albino rat plasma sodium and potassium levels. Studies showed that the drugs decreased sodium levels with microgynon showing the highest decrease of 29.85% at highest concentration level of 3.6&#956;g /100g (94.00 &#177; 28.50mmol/l) (P &#x003C; 0.05), followed by Primulot-N (102 &#177; 28.50 mmol/l). Investigations also revealed that the drugs decreased plasma potassium levels. Microgynon had the highest decrease of 88.88% for the highest dose of 3.60&#956;g/100g body wt, while the lowest decrease of 22.22% was observed for the lowest dose of 0.36&#956;g/100g).The sodium element plays an important role in salt and water balance in the body. The metabolism of sodium and potassium is closely linked with the maintenance of fluid balance and with the regulation of acid-base status, Elevated levels are related to acidosis as well as too much water crossing the cell membrane. The potassium element is found primarily inside the cells of the body. The random use of the drugs in our society today especially as most women abuse these drugs demands for more biochemical research to elucidate the effects of these drugs not only on the hormones but also on other biochemical parameters like the body electrolytes. This result indicates that laboratory tests are needed for women before using these drugs.

Keywords

Microgynon, Primulot-n, Plasma Sodium and Potassium

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N. F. Okoye ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ¹, D. C. Belonwu ¹, N. C. Nwachoko ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. P.M.B 5323, Port Harcourt, NG

Abstract

Oral contraceptives namely Microgynon a combined pill (0.15mg levonorgestrel and 0.03mg ethinylestradiol) and Primolut -N a mini pill (5mg norethisterone) were analysed for their in-vivo effects on albino rat plasma and erythrocyte aspartate amino transferase (AST). The in-vivo effects of the oral contraceptives on albino rat plasma and erythrocyte AST showed that the drugs inhibited the activity of the enzymes in a concentration dependent manner. The effect of the drugs on the enzymes were also time dependent with the highest inhibition obtained at 24 hours duration while the least inhibition occurred at 2 hours duration Microgynon showed the highest inhibition (7.00 &#177; 0.00 vs. control 31.00 &#177; 0.00 U/L) (P &#x003C; 0.05) followed by Primolut (16.00 &#177; 0.00 vs. control 27.00 &#177; 4.00 U/L). The erythrocyte AST activity was also inhibited. The highest inhibition values obtained were Microgynon (36.00 &#177; 0.00 U/L) then Primolut (41.00 &#177; 0.00 U/L). The least inhibition values obtained were Microgynon and Primolut (67.00 &#177; 0.00). The in-vivo effects of the oral contraceptives on rat plasma and erythrocyte ALT showed that the drugs activated the activity of the enzymes in a concentration dependent manner. The effect of the drugs on the enzymes were also time dependent with the highest activation obtained at 24 hours duration while the least activation occurred at 2 hours duration. Primolut showed the highest activation (18.00 &#177; 0.00 U/L). The erythrocyte enzymes showed higher activity than the plasma enzymes. Microgynon showed the highest activity (50.00 &#177; 2.00 U/L). This result indicates that liver function tests are needed for women before using these drugs.

Keywords

Microgynon, Primolut –N

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