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Abstract Background Malaria parasitemia is associated with premature, excessive hemolysis, induction of oxidative stress, and derangement in metabolism of iron, proteins, and some electrolytes. This study aims to evaluate the effects of malaria infection on ascorbic acid (AA), uric acid (UA), iron, transferrin, albumin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), calcium, and magnesium levels in malaria infection. Results Among the 50 malaria-infected children, 12 had severe parasitemia (PD ≥ 10,000 parasites/μl), 16 had moderate parasitemia (PD: 2000 to < 10,000 parasites/μl), and 22 children had mild parasitemia (PD < 2000 parasites/μl). The AA, iron, transferrin, and TIBC levels were significantly lower and UA and Mg higher in malaria-infected children compared with the controls. Ascorbic acid correlated negatively with UA and PD in malaria-infected children. Iron correlated positively with albumin, transferrin, and TIBC in malaria-infected children, while Ca correlated negatively with Mg levels. Conclusion Malaria infection in children is associated with reduced AA and iron parameters and increased UA and Mg levels; hence, vitamin C and iron supplementation could be useful in malaria therapy.

Background & Objective: Oxidative stress (OS) associated with estrogen deficiency in menopause has been implicated in various complications of menopause. Some indices of OS, bone metabolism and uric acid (UA) in postmenopausal women were assessed as possible predictors of gouty osteoarthritis. Materials & Methods: This case-control study enrolled 40 postmenopausal women and 60 premenopausal women as participants. The levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), total plasma peroxides (TPP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), inorganic phosphate (Pi), total calcium (tCa) and UA were estimated by colorimetry, estradiol (E2) by ELISA and oxidative stress index (OSI) by calculation. Data were analyzed using t-test, correlation and regression at P<0.05. Results: Postmenopausal women had higher UA, OSI and lipid peroxidation (higher MDA, TPP) with lower E2, tCa and antioxidants (reduced GSH, NO, TAC) compared to premenopausal women (P<0.05). Aging correlated negatively with E2 (r=-0.273, P=0.006), TAC (r=-0.484, P=<0.001), GSH (r=-0.306, P=0.002), NO (r=-0.337, P=0.001), tCa (r=-0.571, P=<0.001) and positively with TPP (r=0.445, P=<0.001), OSI (r=0.454, P=<0.001), MDA (r=0.505, P=<0.001) and UA (r=0.441, P=<0.001) in all women studied irrespective of menopause status. There were no associations between UA, tCa, Pi,E2 and indices of oxidative stress (TPP, TAC, OSI, MDA, GSH, NO) with menopause (R2 =0.216, P=0.728). Conclusion: Elevated UA, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress and reduced tCa, E2 and antioxidants observed in postmenopausal women may be associated with aging and not the menopausal status suggesting that their assessment may be utilized in predicting women at increased risk of gouty osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deleterious effects of diabetes on seminal quality, serum metals and antioxidants have been confirmed. This study evaluated the effect of combined calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and E supplementation on seminal parameters, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), malonyldialdehyde (MDA), calcium and magnesium in fructose-induced diabetic rats. Thirty rats were grouped into non-diabetic controls, diabetic controls, diabetic rats given vitamin E + C, calcium + magnesium and vitamin E + C + calcium + magnesium. The analytes were evaluated using standard methods. Statistical significance was set at p <.05. The diabetic controls had significantly higher MDA (p =.036) but lower (p =.0001) TAC, calcium, magnesium, sperm count, and %motility than the non-diabetic controls. The Vitamin C + E group showed the greatest improvement as they had the highest values of seminal parameters compared to other supplemented groups. Combined Vitamin C + E supplementation may provide better ameliorative benefits than a combination of Vitamin C, E, calcium and magnesium in diabetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The disruption of the reciprocal regulation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has been associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study assessed the levels of VEGF, PEDF, indices of glycemia, and lipid profile in diabetic patients with retinopathy. Methods: One hundred fifty participants comprised 50 type 2 diabetic patients with DR, 50 without DR and 50 non-diabetic normotensive controls, aged 30–80 years, were randomly recruited for this case-control study. The study was carried out from November 2017 to December 2018. VEGF, PEDF, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profile were determined using standard methods. Blood pressures (BP) and anthropometric indices were measured. Chi-squared test of independence, analysis of variance, and Pearson’s correlation were used to analyze data. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results: Both diabetic groups had significantly higher (P = 0.001) systolic and diastolic BP, VEGF, PEDF, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, total, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and significantly lower (P = 0.005) VEGF/PEDF than the controls. However, the diabetics with retinopathy had significantly higher (P = 0.001) HDL-C, LDL-C, VEGF, and PEDF levels compared to the diabetics without retinopathy. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the levels of VEGF, PEDF, and VEGF/PEDF in both groups of diabetics that had good glycemic control and poor glycemic control. There was also no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the levels of VEGF and PEDF between the dyslipidemic and non-dyslipidemic subjects in both diabetic groups. Conclusion: DR is associated with higher levels of VEGF and PEDF while good glycemic control and dyslipidemia seem not to have a profound effect on VEGF and PEDF levels in diabetics with or without DR. Higher PEDF levels are associated with higher atherogenic risk in the diabetics with retinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cigarette smoking has been linked to atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disorders and various malignancies. However, the mechanism by which smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases is still controversial. One hundred and forty one apparently healthy male cigarette smokers and sixty apparently healthy non-smokers aged 18 to 65 years were enrolled into the study. The smokers were sub-divided into light (<8 pack years), moderate (8-30 pack years) and heavy (>30 pack years) smokers. Anthropometric indices and blood pressure were measured. Fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides and High density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were estimated using colorimetric test methods while low density lipoproteincholesterol (LDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein were calculated using Friedewald's equation. Serum insulin was estimated using ELISA. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0; level of significance was set at p<0.05. The smokers had significantly higher diastolic BP (p=0.0001), TC (p= 0.008) and LDL-C (p = 0.0001) and significantly lower HDL-C (p = 0.0001) compared to the non-smokers. There was a significant higher fasting plasma glucose in the light smokers (p=0.001) than in the moderate and heavy smokers whereas, serum TC and LDL-C levels were significantly increased in heavy smokers (p=0.001) than in the light and moderate smokers. There was a negative correlation between BMI and smoking pack years. Dyslipidaemia was observed to be the most prevalent cardiovascular disease risk factor. It is concluded that the alterations in lipid profile and blood pressure observed in this study may contribute to higher risk of cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Oxidative stress, vitamin, and macroelement deficiencies have been implicated in male infertility. It is unknown if diabetes mellitus with its attendant increased oxidative stress makes the seminal quality of the diabetic infertile men worse compared to their nondiabetic counterparts. Aims: The study investigated semen parameters, seminal plasma calcium, magnesium, Vitamins C and E, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in diabetic and nondiabetic infertile men. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional study involving 30 infertile men with type 2 diabetes, 30 infertile nondiabetic men and 30 fertile men. Subjects and Methods: Fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, seminal plasma calcium, magnesium, TAC, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, semen analysis, and cultures carried out using the standard procedures. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed by the analysis of variance and Student's t-test; the level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Both infertile groups had significantly lower (P < 0.0001) sperm count, percentage motility, TAC, Vitamin E and C, magnesium and calcium when compared to the fertile group. However, there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in the mean values of these parameters among the two infertile groups. The infertile men had a significantly higher (P = 0.034) frequency of bacterial isolates compared to the fertile men. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent organism isolated. Conclusions: Seminal calcium, magnesium, TAC, and Vitamin E and C were lower in both infertile diabetic and nondiabetic men as compared to that of fertile men, but the levels of these analytes were comparable in the infertile diabetic and nondiabetic men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cigarette smoke contains noxious substances associated with alteration in thyroid gland function and bone metabolism in smokers. Serum cotinine, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating Hormone (TSH), calcium, phosphate and vitamin D levels were estimated in 100 smokers and 50 non-smokers. The smokers were classified into light and moderate smokers based on smoking pack-years. Serum cotinine, T3, T4 and TSH were determined using ELISA, calcium and phosphate by colorimetric methods and Vitamin D by HPLC. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance, Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation. The level of significance was set at p< 0.05. The mean diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.002), cotinine (p = 0.0001), T4 (p = 0.014) was significantly higher in smokers compared to non smokers. While vitamin D was significantly lower (p = 0.0001) in smokers compared to non smokers. There was however no significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean values of systolic blood pressure, BMI, T3, calcium, phosphate and TSH between the two groups. There were significant variations in the mean systolic blood pressure (p = 0.040), diastolic blood pressure (p =0.0001), cotinine (p =0.0001), T4 (p = 0.036), vitamin D (p = 0.0001) among non smokers, light and moderate smokers. There was an increasing trend in the systolic and diastolic blood pressures and cotinine with the moderate smokers having the highest values. In contrast, there was a decreasing trend in the vitamin D with the moderate smokers having the lowest values. There were however no variations in the mean values of the other parameters among the three groups. Cigarette smoking may have no effect on serum calcium, phosphate, T3 and thyroid stimulating hormone levels. However it is associated with a decrease in serum vitamin D and an increase in T4 levels and blood pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged or repeated exposure to cement dust, depending on the duration, level of exposure and individual sensitivity has health implications on the skin, eyes, respiratory and haematological systems. This study assessed cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiac markers among cement workers of Nigerian origin to determine the effects of duration of exposure to cement dust on these parameters. Troponin I, Creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), anthropometric indices, lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were determined in 50 cement workers and 40 controls. The cement workers were sub-grouped based on their duration of exposure. Significance level for statistical analyses was set at P<0.05. The mean total cholesterol (P<0.0001), HDL-cholesterol (P=0.030), LDL-cholesterol (P=0.004), VLDLcholesterol (P<0.0001), Triglycerides (P<0.0001), troponin (P<0.0001), CK-MB (P=0.001) and AIP (P=0.004) values were significantly higher in cement workers when compared with controls. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in FPG levels and the anthropometric indices measured. Cement workers with duration of exposure > 8years had higher mean values of FPG, CK-MB, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol. This study has shown that lipid profile, troponin and CK-MB levels are significantly higher in cement workers compared to controls. Cement workers may be at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The disruption of the reciprocal regulation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has been associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study assessed the levels of VEGF, PEDF, indices of glycemia, and lipid profile in diabetic patients with retinopathy., Methods: One hundred fifty participants comprised 50 type 2 diabetic patients with DR, 50 without DR and 50 non-diabetic normotensive controls, aged 30-80 years, were randomly recruited for this case-control study. The study was carried out from November 2017 to December 2018. VEGF, PEDF, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profile were determined using standard methods. Blood pressures (BP) and anthropometric indices were measured. Chi-squared test of independence, analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation were used to analyze data. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval., Results: Both diabetic groups had significantly higher ( P = 0.001) systolic and diastolic BP, VEGF, PEDF, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, total, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and significantly lower ( P = 0.005) VEGF/PEDF than the controls. However, the diabetics with retinopathy had significantly higher ( P = 0.001) HDL-C, LDL-C, VEGF, and PEDF levels compared to the diabetics without retinopathy. There were no significant differences ( P > 0.05) in the levels of VEGF, PEDF, and VEGF/PEDF in both groups of diabetics that had good glycemic control and poor glycemic control. There was also no significant difference ( P > 0.05) in the levels of VEGF and PEDF between the dyslipidemic and non-dyslipidemic subjects in both diabetic groups., Conclusion: DR is associated with higher levels of VEGF and PEDF while good glycemic control and dyslipidemia seem not to have a profound effect on VEGF and PEDF levels in diabetics with or without DR. Higher PEDF levels are associated with higher atherogenic risk in the diabetics with retinopathy., (Copyright: © International Journal of Health Sciences.)

Purpose: Cardiovascular disease risk factors have been associated with androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) in white and Hispanic populations. It is therefore relevant to determine if there exists a relationship between these parameters in the African population., Patients and Methods: The design of the study was cross sectional. Prostate-specific antigen concentration, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, glucose level, and insulin level were determined in 153 patients with prostate cancer and 80 controls. The patients with prostate cancer were divided into subgroups of treatment-naïve patients and those receiving ADT., Results: Mean total cholesterol ( P = .010), LDL cholesterol ( P = .021), BMI ( P = .001), and waist circumference ( P = .029) values were significantly higher in patients treated with ADT when compared with treatment-naïve patients. In patients treated with ADT for up to 1 year, only mean BMI was significantly higher than in treatment-naïve patients, whereas those treated with ADT for more than 1 year had significantly higher mean BMI, waist circumference, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol values when compared with treatment-naïve patients. There were no significant differences in insulin or glucose levels. Those undergoing hormone manipulation after orchiectomy had fewer cardiovascular risk factors compared with those undergoing hormone manipulation alone., Conclusion: This study shows that ADT results in elevated total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, BMI, and waist circumference values, all of which are risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Screening for cardiovascular risk factors should be included in treatment plans for patients with prostate cancer., Competing Interests: Authors’ disclosures of potential conflicts of interest and contributions are found at the end of this article.The following represents disclosure information provided by authors of this manuscript. All relationships are considered compensated. Relationships are self-held unless noted. I = Immediate Family Member, Inst = My Institution. Relationships may not relate to the subject matter of this manuscript. For more information about ASCO’s conflict of interest policy, please refer to www.asco.org/rwc or ascopubs.org/jco/site/ifc. Okon Ekwere EssienNo relationship to discloseIya Eze BasseyNo relationship to discloseRebecca Mtaku GaliNo relationship to discloseAlphonsus Ekpe UdohNo relationship to discloseUwem Okon AkpanNo relationship to discloseEnakirerhi E. GlenNo relationship to disclose