Ayobola Abolape Iyanda

Altered Copper Level and Renal Dysfunction in Nigerian Women Using Skin-Whitening Agents

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of trace elements in serum samples of women who are chronic users of skin-whitening agents as well as the hepatic and renal effects of these agents on these women. The study was conducted among 23 skin-whitening users while 25 women served as the controls. The serum concentrations of Zn, Mn, and Mg were not significantly changed in these women compared with controls (p > 0.05), but Cu was significantly increased in skin-whitening agent users compared with controls (p < 0.05). Serum urea and creatinine were significantly increased compared with the controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, ALT, AST, albumin, total protein, and bilirubin were not significantly changed (p > 0.05). The significant increase in the levels of renal indices shows that these agents might be nephrotoxic after prolonged usage while increase in copper level with accompanying renal dysfunction may be an indication that copper mediates in oxidative-induced renal dysfunction. However, further study is needed to identify the cause and source of high serum copper as many of the herbal extracts may be rich sources of copper. Moreover, a large population study may be necessary to examine the exact correlation between copper and renal indices.

A Study of Serum Levels of Select Heavy Metals and Histology of Brain, Lung, Heart and Ileum of Rats Chronically Exposed to Kerosene

In rural Africa, a number of alternative treatment options are explored beca use of poverty and unawareness. Kerosene is one such agent used for the treatment of a myriad of diseases.The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of trace amounts of kerosene on lung, heart, brain and intestine in rats.Eighteen rats were usedconsisting of 6 rats per group. The first and second groups were administered kerosene (0.4 ml of kerosene/kg body weight) through oral and dermal route respectively. Six other rats served as the control. Results showed significant damage to all the tissu es examined; with pathologic presentation comprising of pulmonary congestion, severely stunted villi, congestion of coronary vessels, and diffuse spongiosis of the cerebral cortex in kerosene administered group while control group featured no visible lesio n.Although As, Al and Cd were not significantly different in kerosene exposed groups compared with control, Si was significantly lower (oral), and significantly increased (dermal) (p<0.05) compared with control. Results of this study suggest that exposure to even small quantities of kerosene may damage a variety of organs/tissues in the body and its exposure to human subjects for whatever reason should be discouraged .

Depletion in Serum Levels of Folic Acid, Antioxidant Vitamins and Trace Elements in Female Wistar Rats Treated with Sub-toxic Dose of Acetaminophen/Methionine Combination - A Chronic Study

Context: Studies have identified that concurrent administration of methionine and acetaminophen (paracetamol) prevents tissue damage and both methionine and acetaminophen at high doses can induce oxidative stress. Antioxidants mediate against oxidative stress. Moreover, folic acid depletion has been identified to cause neural tube defects in neonates of affected female subjects. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of chronic exposure to subtoxic dose of acetaminophen/methionine (ratio 5:1) on female Wistar rats, with emphasis on folic acid and antioxidant vitamins and minerals. Material and Methods: Rats were divided into 3 groups with each group consisting of 8 rats and treated with acetaminophen/methionine, acetaminophen or saline daily by gastric gavage. The study lasted 30 days after which blood was obtained through retro-orbital bleeding. Results: Results show that Wistar rats administered with 350 mg/kg BW (sub-toxic dose) of acetaminophen exhibited significant alteration (p<0.05) in levels of all trace elements (except Se) as well as vitamins (except vitamin A). Significant alterations in the levels of all vitamins (except riboflavin) and all minerals (except Cu, Mn, Se) (p<0.05) were also recorded in serum of rats administered with acetaminophen/methionine combination. Discussion and Conclusion: Results of this study therefore suggest that chronic abuse of subtoxic dose of acetaminophen/methionine combination may induce alterations in