MOSP - Macao Scientific Publishers

Research Article

Differential induction of LRP16 by liganded and unliganded estrogen receptor ï¡ in SKOV3 ovarian carcinoma cells

Full Length Research paper

Abstract: Previously, we investigated the induction effect of LRP16 expression by estrogen (E2) and established feed-forward mechanism that activated ERa transactivation in estrogen-dependent epithelial cancer cells. LRP16 is required for ERa signaling transduction by functioning as an ERa coactivator. In this study, we demonstrated that LRP16 expression was up-regulated in E2-responsive BG-1 ovarian cancer cells, but was down-regulated in estrogen-resistant SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. Pure estrogen antagonist ICI 182 780 did not affect LRP16 expression in SKOV3 cell. The unliganded ERa up-regulated LRP16 expression and enhanced LRP16 promoter activity in SKOV3 cells; however, this induction was blocked by estrogen stimulation. Results from chromatin immunoprecipitation experiment revealed a strong recruitment of the unliganded ERa at LRP16 promoter in the absence of estrogen; however, ERa was largely released from the DNA upon E2 stimulation. Although LRP16 did not significantly change the proliferation rate of SKOV3 cells, it seemed to slightly modulate the growth responsiveness of cells to E2. Knockdown of LRP16 by RNA interference in SKOV3 cells markedly attenuated estrogen response element-dependent ERa reporter gene activity and E2-induced c-myc expression. Our study suggests a novel mechanism of estrogen resistance of ovarian cancer by which estrogen-repressed signaling pathway antagonizes estrogen-activated signaling transduction.[...] Read More.

Keywords: LRP16, estrogen, estrogen receptor a, SKOV3.

2022, 11(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Hepatoprotective and some haematological effects of Allium sativum and vitamin C in lead-exposed wistar rats

G. O. Ajayi, T. T. Adeniyi* and D. O. Babayemi

Abstract: The hepatoprotective and some haematological effects of Allium sativum (Garlic) and vitamin C were studied on experimental rats that were exposed to lead (Pb) for one week. Twenty – four female Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six rats per group. Rats in group A were kept as the control. Rats in groups B, C and D were exposed to 100 µmol/kg body weight of lead acetate intraperitoneally for seven days. Garlic diet (200 g minced garlic/kg diet) and vitamin C (500 mg/kg body weight) were given to rats in groups C and D for additional seven days respectively. Garlic and vitamin C produced significant reduction at p < 0.05 in the levels of ALT, ALP and PCV while the level of AST increases significantly at p < 0.05. The level of Hb increases significantly at p < 0.05 in rats treated with garlic and reduces significantly at p < 0.05 in rats treated with Vitamin C. This study, therefore suggests that garlic and vitamin C have some hepatoprotective and haematological effects.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Hepatoprotective, haematological, Allium sativum, vitamin C, Lead (Pb).

2022, 11(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus in clinical cases in Ile-Ife, Southwest Nigeria

Adegoke, Anthony Ayodeji* and Komolafe, Amos Omoniyi

Abstract: A study to investigate the susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus aureus to conventional antibiotics being frequently prescribed in Ile-Ife, South Western Nigeria was carried out. One hundred and seven samples from various clinical samples were collected from Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The isolates of S. aureus were characterized and identified using standard microbiological techniques. The isolates harvested were subjected to in-vitro antibiotic susceptibility tests using the disc diffusion method and beta-lactamase test was carried out using starch paper hydrolysis. One hundred and five isolates of S. aureus were harvested. The in vitro susceptibility of the bacterial isolates to antibiotics indicated 75.3-92.5% sensitivity to cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin and pefloxacin. However, they were 65% producers of beta lactamase while 45-72% resistant to penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline and cotrimoxazole. Out of the 56 isolates tested with methicillin, 28 (50%) were resistant while 18 (32.1%) were sensitive. It was observed 70% of the tested isolates were beta lactamase producers. Multiple resistance was observed to 10 frequently prescribed antibiotics in the area. This suggests possible abuse of these drugs, poor hospital attendance and the need for better enlightenment campaign against the use of drug without prescription.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, ciprofloxacin, multiple antibiotic resistant index, beta lactamase test.

2022, 11(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Antibiotic susceptibility and plasmid pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the surgical unit of a university teaching hospital in north central Nigeria

Full Length Research paper

Abstract: This study determined the susceptibility pattern and multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 92 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from clinical samples comprising mainly urine (51.1%) and wounds (41.3%) obtained from the surgical units of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria; over a 24-month period. The strains were susceptible to imipenem (94.6%), ciprofloxacin (90.2%), amikacin (89.1%) and ceftazidime (78.3%) but resistant to ofloxacin (82.6%), perfloxacin (58.7%) and gentamicin (35.8%). Analysis of the MAR index of isolates revealed that 60.9% had MAR index of 0.3 and above, which is an indication of probable origin from the hospital environment where antibiotics are extensively used. A strict management of antibiotic policies and a continuous surveillance programme for multidrug resistant pathogens like P. aeruginosa in specialised units is advocated.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, plasmid, Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2022, 11(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Hepatocellular carcinoma: Risk factors, pattern of presentation and outcome in a tertiary health facility

Akande Oladimeji Ajayi*, Ebenezer Adekunle Ajayi and Oluwole Akinwumi Komolafe

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most common cancer in the world. Its incidence is increasing worldwide ranging between 3 and 9% annually. The aim of this study was to see the pattern of clinical presentation, identify the possible risk factors and the clinical outcome among HCC patients presenting at our health facility. The case records of all patients with histopathological diagnosis of HCC within the study period June 2003-May 2008 were scrutinized. Demographic, clinical presentation, investigations, risk factors and outcome data were extracted. Data analysis was done using the SPSS computer soft ware. Logistic regression model was fitted to identify the impact of the various risk factors on HCC. A total number of 53 patients with histopathological diagnosis of HCC were registered. Their ages ranged from 35 to 73 and mean age of 50±21.8 years. Thirty seven (69.8%) were males while sixteen (30.2%) were females giving M: F ratio of 2.31:1. The left lobe was affected in 15.1% (8), right lobe in 22.6% (12) and both lobes in 62.3% (33). 54.7% tested positive for HBsAg, 3.8% were HCV-Ab positive. All the patients in this study presented at an advanced stage of the disease. Aflatoxin exposure, though not proven, because no test was done to incriminate it, was highly suspected and could be a major risk factor in this study; hence efforts need to be doubled up as regards effective awareness campaigns, general health /social education and food perseveration methods.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, aflatoxin, hepatitis B and C.

2022, 11(1), 1-6;

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Short Communication

Effect of metformin and folic acid on plasma homocysteine level in type 2 diabetic patients

Mohammad Mohammadi*, Masoud Amini, Ashraf Aminiorroay, Hasan Rezvanian, Ali Kachuei, Mansour Siyavash, Soodabeh- Rahimi Saghandand Mohammad Afkhami-Ardekani

Abstract: Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of metformin and folic acid on plasma homocysteine level in diabetic patients. In this clinical trial 47 new cases of type 2 diabetes were randomized to two groups. We treated patients in trial group with metformin and 1 mg folic acid, whereas patients in control group treated with metformin and placebo for 16 weeks. There was no significant difference in plasma homocysteine level and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) between two groups at the start of study. After 16 weeks plasma homocysteine level in the trial group did not change. In contrast plasma homocysteine level increased in the placebo group. There was significant difference in mean plasma homocysteine level between two groups (P-value < 0.01). This difference was highly significant in males (P-value < 0.0001). Correlation between glycosylated hemoglobin and plasma homocysteine level at start and end of study was not significant. This finding indicated that metformin increases plasma homocysteine level in diabetic patients especially males, whereas administration of folic acid with metformin can prevent this process.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, homocysteine, metformin, folic acid, glycosylated hemoglobin, sex.

2022, 11(1), 1-6;

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Review

Granulomatous inflammation in lymph nodes draining cancer: A coincidence or a significant association!

Alka Bhatia*, Yashwant kumar and Anjali Solanki Kathpalia

Abstract: Granulomatous inflammation is considered to be an immune mechanism against infections or certain non-neoplastic conditions. Rarely granuloma formation may be noted in neoplastic disorders also. However a granulomatous response in the lymph nodes draining cancers is unusual. Such granulomas may sometimes show tumour cells in their centre. The exact cause of this phenomenon is not known but an immunologic reaction to tumour antigens has been suggested. A close scrutiny of such granuloma is necessary to avoid under diagnosis of a metastatic disease. Subtle morphological fea-tures which may be helpful in differentiating a co-existing infection or tumour induced granuloma need to be addressed. Moreover the biologic significance of such a granulomatous response in inducing tu-mour remission or in shielding tumour cells from host lymphocytes also requires further investigation.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Granuloma, cancer, metastasis.

2022, 11(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Chronic viral HBeAg-negative hepatitis B: therapeutic characteristics in an outpatient descriptive cohort

Eric Nagaonlé Somé*, Issaka Zongo, Félicité Nana, Daouda Sané, Maxime Drabo, Roger Sombié

Abstract: In Burkina Faso, the prevalence of HBs antigen is estimated at 9.1%. We aimed to describe the therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of chronic HBeAg-negative viral hepatitis B outpatients at the University Hospital Yalgado Ouédraogo. Methods: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study including 325 participants with a retrospective data collection from January 2004 to April 2016. Results: The mean age was 38.7 years and the sex ratio, 1.5. The mean concentration of HBsAg and HBV Viral load was 7861.6 IU/mL and 32 237.20 IU/mL, respectively. A total of 84 participants were on antiviral therapy; 73 (86.9%) and six (7.1%) patients were on tenofovir and lamivudine, respectively. Under tenofovir, the virological response was complete and ALT was normal in 44.4% and 77.7% of the patients after one year. HBV DNA was undetectable and ALT normal under Lamivudine in 50% of the patients after four years. The adherence to the treatment was high, moderate or low in 71.4%, 21.4% and 7.2% of the cases, respectively. In high adherent group, HBV DNA was undetectable and ALT normal in 91.6% and 95% of cases, respectively. Under tenofovir and lamivudine, we noted an HBsAg seroconversion after 2 and seven years of treatment, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of chronic HBeAg negative hepatitis B patients is currently increasing. The HBs seroconversion is still low. The sensitization of the population to avoid the viral hepatitis infection mainly by a systematic immunization of the population remains the most effective weapon to fight this disease.[...] Read More.

Keywords: hepatitis B infection, HBs antigen, HBe antigen, antiviral treatment, adherence, sub Saharan Africa.

2022, 11(1), 1-6;

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