Dolapo Pius Oparinde

Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Osogbo, Nigeria

Background: Type 2 DM has been linked with dyslipideamia and elevation of some liver enzymes, in fact it has been identified as independent risk factor for development of coronary artery disease (CHD). The risk of coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 DM with hepatic involvement was assessed in this study. Method : A total number of 106 type 2 DM subjects with fasting plasma glucose greater than 7mmol/l with associated symptoms of DM, and another 60 aged and BMI matched controls with normal FPG (2.5-5.5mmol/l). The blood levels of Total Cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, TG, AST, ALT, ALP and the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were determined. Body mass index (BMI) was also calculated from the weight and height. Data analysis was done using SPSS (Version 15) Software. Variables were compared between DM subjects and controls, with statistical significance at p ≤0.05. Results : LDL and TC were significantly lower in control than the subject group (2.35±1.15vs 3.09±1.26mmol/l; p<0.05) and (3.98 ±1.24 vs 4.41±1.39mmol/l p< 0.05) respectively. HDL/TC ratio was significantly higher in control than the subjects (0.28±0.13 vs 0.21±0.13mmol/l; p<0.05). Serum level of liver enzymes ALT, AST and ALP analyzed were significantly elevated in subjects than in the control group (12.69±6.75 vs 4.95±2.66 IU/L; p<0.05), (16.96±10.80 vs 7.83 IU/L±3.94; p<0.05) and (70.19±28.78 vs 23±8.77 IU/L; p<0.05) respectively. A weak positive significant correlation between FPG and AST (r=0.268, p<0.05), TC and ALP (r=0.273, p<0.05), LDL and ALP (r=0.301, p<0.05) was observed. However a weak negative significant correlation exist between HDL/TC and ALP (r=0.201, p<0.05). Conclusion : There are evidences of dyslipidaemia and elevated liver enzymes in type 2 DM patients seen in Osogbo, Nigeria.

Oxidative Stress and Serum Selenium in HIV Patients on Different Antiretroviral Regimen

Background: Two major Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy naming as HAART-1(zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine) and HAART-2 (zidovudine, lamivudine and efavirenz) are considered for HIV positive patients. HIV as well as antiretroviral drugs can cause free radical formation with or without compensatory increase in serum selenium. This study was aimed at knowing serum levels of malonaldehyde (evidence of free radical production) and selenium. Method: A total of 240 persons were surveyed, comprising subjects and controls. The respondents were in four groups each comprising 60 persons. The four groups are: HIV positive patients not yet on HAART termed Prehaart patients, HIV positive patients on HAART-1, HIV positive patients on HAART-2 and HIV negative patients (control). Serum levels of malonaldehyde (MDA) and selenium were assayed in each of study groups. Result: CD4/mm 3 was significantly lower in subject groups when compared with control (p<0.05). MDA (µmol/l) was found to be higher in all subject groups but significant elevation was only found in HAART-2 group (p<0.05). Serum Se (µg/dl) levels were found to be significantly lower in all the groups when compared with control (p<0.05). Conclusion: Production of free radicals was worse in patients on HAART-2. Decreased serum selenium levels in all groups may suggest reason for oxidative stress found in HIV positive patients on antiretroviral therapy. Abbreviation: HAART-1(zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine), HAART-2(zidovudine, lamivudine and efavirenz), MDA (Malonaldehyde),Se (Selenium)