This research evaluated the impact of toad venom on certain hematological and biochemical parameters in albino Wistar rats. A total of twenty male albino Wistar rats, each weighing between 120 and 150 g, were utilized in this investigation. They were divided into four groups. The control group received distilled water, while the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups were administered 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg of toad venom orally, respectively. Blood samples were obtained after 24, 48, and 72 hours through ocular puncture into EDTA and plain containers for hematological and biochemical evaluations. The findings indicated a statistically significant decrease in red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. The results also revealed an increase in white blood cell count and its differentials, heightened levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), and elevated potassium levels (p < 0.05) relative to the control group (hyperkalemia). All these effects intensified with a rise in the dosage of toad venom. Additionally, there was a minor increase in creatinine and urea, which was statistically insignificant. In summary, the consumption of toad venom in rats resulted in a reduction in RBC and Hb (erythrocyte) counts, elevated WBC counts, and liver enzyme abnormalities based on their values under the experimental conditions noted. Key Words: Toad venom, hematological and biochemical parameters, health implications.
This research assessed the serum lipid profiles in patients with hypertension and explored their association with hypertension in Isiala Mbano, Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 127 participants, both male and female, aged 25 years and above, were recruited and divided into hypertensive (n = 80) and normotensive (n = 47) cohorts. Hypertension was identified based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines after taking three consecutive blood pressure readings. Venous blood samples (5 mL) were collected in a sterile manner into plain tubes for biochemical evaluation. Serum concentrations of Total cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were measured using standardized enzymatic colorimetric techniques. TG exhibited a moderate positive correlation with both TC and HDL (p < 0.001). TC showed a strong positive correlation with HDL and LDL and a moderate positive correlation with TG (all p < 0.001). HDL presented a moderate positive correlation with TG and LDL (p < 0.001), while LDL demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with HDL and TG (p = 0.001). No noteworthy correlation was found between TG and LDL. The hypertensive individuals in this study displayed dyslipidaemic characteristics, with significant positive inter-correlations among different lipid fractions. It is recommended that routine lipid profile evaluations and the early treatment of dyslipidaemia be incorporated into hypertension management to diminish cardiovascular risk.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains the most prevalent opportunistic infection and a major cause of mortality among individuals living with HIV (PLHIV), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART), Nigeria continues to grapple with significant challenges related to TB/HIV co-infection. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of TB in HIV-positive patients at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri (FUTHO), emphasizing various demographic, clinical, and immunological variables. A cross-sectional study involving 100 HIV-positive adults who attended the FUTHO HIV clinic was carried out. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected through structured questionnaires. TB diagnosis was conducted using symptom-based screening, Ziehl–Neelsen microscopy, and GeneXpert testing. Data analysis was performed using chi-square tests and logistic regression in SPSS version 25. The results indicated that the overall prevalence of TB among PLHIV stood at 30%. The incidence of TB was significantly higher in males (39.5%) compared to females (24.2%, p = 0.042), with the highest rates observed in the 40-49 age bracket (32.1%). We found that prevalence escalated with advancing WHO stages, ranging from 14.3% in Stage I to 50% in Stage IV (p < 0.01). Patients with a CD4 count below 200 cells/µL were at the greatest risk (57.1%) compared to those with counts of 500 cells/µL or greater (9.5%, p < 0.001). Those who had never received ART were disproportionately affected (54.2% vs. 22.4% on ART, p = 0.003). A comprehensive analysis showed that ART-naïve patients with CD4 counts under 200 cells/µL had the highest prevalence (66.7%), while those on ART with CD4 counts of 200 cells/µL or more exhibited the lowest (17.2%). Multivariate regression analysis identified low CD4 count (AOR = 4.72, 95% CI: 1.65-13.51) and ART-naïve status (AOR = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.28-9.06) as key predictors of TB. The prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in this Nigerian tertiary hospital is concerningly high. This scenario is mainly driven by severe immunosuppression and limited access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The distinct differences across WHO stages, along with the increased risk associated with not starting ART and having low CD4 counts, highlight the urgent requirement for earlier HIV diagnoses, prompt initiation of ART, and more extensive TB prevention strategies. Strengthening diagnostic capabilities and tailoring interventions for high-risk populations are essential to effectively reduce TB-related morbidity and mortality rates in Nigeria.
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