E. E. J. Iweala

An Estimate of the Incidence of Prostate Cancer in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is rated the second most common cancer and sixth leading cause of cancer deaths among men globally. Reports show that African men suffer disproportionately from PCa compared to men from other parts of the world. It is still quite difficult to accurately describe the burden of PCa in Africa due to poor cancer registration systems. We systematically reviewed the literature on prostate cancer in Africa and provided a continent-wide incidence rate of PCa based on available data in the region. Methods A systematic literature search of Medline, EMBASE and Global Health from January 1980 to June 2015 was conducted, with additional search of Google Scholar, International Association of Cancer Registries (IACR), International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and WHO African region websites, for studies that estimated incidence rate of PCa in any African location. Having assessed quality and consistency across selected studies, we extracted incidence rates of PCa and conducted a random effects meta-analysis. Results Our search returned 9766 records, with 40 studies spreading across 16 African countries meeting our selection criteria. We estimated a pooled PCa incidence rate of 22.0 (95% CI: 19.93–23.97) per 100,000 population, and also reported a median incidence rate of 19.5 per 100,000 population. We observed an increasing trend in PCa incidence with advancing age, and over the main years covered. Conclusion Effective cancer registration and extensive research are vital to appropriately quantifying PCa burden in Africa. We hope our findings may further assist at identifying relevant gaps, and contribute to improving knowledge, research, and interventions targeted at prostate cancer in Africa.

Correlation between body mass index and waist circumference in Nigerian adults: implication as indicators of health status

Background Anthropometric measures have been widely used for body weight classification in humans. Waist circumference has been advanced as a useful parameter for measuring adiposity. This study evaluated the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference and examined their significance as indicators of health status in adults. Design and methods The subject included 489 healthy adults from Ota, Nigeria, aged between 20 and 75 years, grouped into early adulthood (20-39 years), middle adulthood (40-59 years) and advanced adulthood (60 years and above). Weight, height and abdominal circumference were measured. BMI was calculated as weight kg/height2 (m2) and World Health Organization cut-offs were used to categorize them into normal, underweight, overweight and obese. Results Abnormal weight categories accounted for 60 % of the subjects (underweight 11 %, overweight 31%, and obese 18%). The waist circumference of overweight and obese categories were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the normal weight category. There was no significant difference between waist circumference of underweight and normal subjects. The correlation coefficient values of BMI with waist circumference (r=0.63), body weight (r=0.76) and height (r=-0.31) were significant (P<0.01) for the total subjects. Conclusions The study indicates that waist circumference can serve as a positive indicator of overweight and obesity in the selected communities; however, it may not be used to determine underweight in adults. Regular BMI and waist circumference screening is recommended as an easy and effective means of assessing body weight and in the prevention of weight related diseases in adults. Significance for public health This manuscript describes the correlation between body mass index, waist circumference and body weight of two communities in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria and the use of these anthropometric measures for body weight classification in human populations of the selected communities. This was carried out to evaluate the health status of the indigenes of the two communities for proper health awareness and public health intervention programmes.

Factors influencing maternal mortality among rural communities in southwestern Nigeria

Background Maternal mortality and morbidity reflect the status of population health and quality of life across nations. Poor understanding of the interplay of many antecedent factors, including sociocultural, economic and logistic factors, combined with an overwhelming poor health services delivery, is a basic challenge in several countries, particularly in rural settings where functional health care services are relatively scarce. There are still uncertainties as to the extent of this burden, owing to current challenges with information and data collation. This study aimed at identifying nonmedical factors associated with maternal mortality in rural and semiurban communities of southwestern Nigeria. Methodology The study was carried out in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State. A multistage sampling technique and an informant survey approach were used in the study. A total sample of 360 eligible respondents were selected randomly from 11 out of 16 political wards in the study area and interviewed through the administration of questionnaires. The data were processed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. Results Place of consultation (P=0.000), who pays the treatment costs (P=0.000), awareness of pregnancy complications (P=0.002) and knowledge of the place of antenatal care treatment (P=0.000) significantly influenced maternal mortality (proxy by place of delivery of last birth). The F-statistic (15.100) confirmed the hypothesis that nonmedical factors influence maternal mortality. The correlation of predictor variables was significant at both the 0.01 level and the 0.05 level (2-tailed). Conclusion Our findings suggest that in a rural community setting with a depleted health care system, health education tailored toward community culture, subsidized maternal health care services by the government and operators of private clinics, as well as empowering and improving the status of women may reduce maternal mortality and prompt better utilization and survival chances of women in the study area as well as in all of Nigeria.

Body mass index and random blood glucose levels in a semi urban Nigerian community

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of adiposity. A raised BMI is a risk factor for several diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. Generally, prevalence and complications of diabetes is more pronounced in females than males as result of gender associated obesity. Our multi-disciplinary research group is involved in assessment and study of diseases and associated issues of public health concern in South western Nigeria. In this study, the occurrence of diabetes in a sub urban Nigerian Community and its relationship with BMI and random blood glucose (RBG) was assessed. In conclusion, we report a direct increase in BMI with RBG and age in the female subjects when compared to the males. The prevalence of obesity and diabetes is rising all over the world including developing countries such as Nigeria due to unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits. Hence the need to discourage lifestyle patterns especially in women that predispose to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Co-administration of artemisinin and Ricinodendron heudelotii leaf extract—effects on selected antioxidants and liver parameters in male Wistar rats

Startling rate of malaria parasite resistance to artemisinin and its derivatives has led to possible herb–drug antimalarial combination therapy. This study assessed the effect of co-administration of artemisinin and Ricinodendron heudelotii extract on certain liver and antioxidant indices in rats. Four groups containing ten rats each were administered distilled water (group A), artemisinin only (group B), artemisinin with R. heudelotii extract (group C), and R. heudelotii extract only (group D). Serum biochemical values and antioxidant parameters were determined using standard methods respectively. The results revealed that the total protein level increased significantly (p < 0.05) in group C. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the group administered artemisinin only but was regulated to control level both in groups C and D. The liver reduced gutathione (GSH) concentration decreased in the group administered artemisinin only. Similarly, malondialdehyde (MDA) level significantly increased (p < 0.05) in group A while groups C and D showed decrease in MDA and catalase concentrations. Histological examination showed that few of the hepatocytes were necrotic in the group administered artemisinin only while the group administered artemisinin and extract showed mild to moderate central venous congestion and periportal cellular infiltration. The study indicates that the bioactive constituents of the R. heudelotii extract might either have a regulatory effect on artemisinin toxicity or synergistically enhance its activity. Such bioconstituents can further be isolated and characterized for drug development to tackle Plasmodium falciparum resistance.

Abstract B047: Biochemical parameters of prostate cancer patients in Nigeria

The screening of biochemical parameters of cancer patients and their development into reliable and specific diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers has been reported in several studies. The biochemical signature of prostate cancer patients in Nigeria may vary from others and can serve as important leads in discovery of new biomarkers for the disease. This will ultimately provide more information on the specific causes and prognosis of the disease as well as improve its diagnosis and management. This study examined some biochemical parameters including alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TRIG), reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation and peroxidase (POD) in the plasma of prostate cancer patients and controls. The data obtained indicate that there were no significant differences in the ALT, LDL, HDL, and POD while ALP and TRIG were significantly increased. Also, there was a significant reduction in GSH. This indicates the possible implication of ALP, TRIG, and GSH in prostate cancer disease in Nigeria and their potential to be further developed into diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Citation Format: Emeka Iweala, Solomon Rotimi, Faith Kanu, Chidiebere Ogo. Biochemical parameters of prostate cancer patients in Nigeria [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Prostate Cancer: Advances in Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research; 2017 Dec 2-5; Orlando, Florida. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(16 Suppl):Abstract nr B047.

Silica Functionalized Magnesium Ferrite Nanocomposites for Potential Biomedical Applications: Preparation, Characterization and Enhanced Colloidal Stability Studies

Magnetic nanocomposite material composed of silica coated MgFe2O4 for potential biomedical applications were synthesized by a two-step chemical method including solution combustion synthesis, followed by silica coatings of the ferrite nanoparticles. The effects of silica coatings on the structural, morphological and magnetic properties were comprehensively investigated using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive absorption x-ray (EDAX), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The colloidal behaviour of coated MNPs in physiological saline medium like water or phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was also studied by zeta potential measurements. The XRD patterns indicate that the crystalline structure is single cubic spinel phase and the spinel structure is retained after silica coating. Also, after silica coating, the crystallite size (from Scherrer formula) decreases from 53 to 47 nm. The magnetic results show that MgFe2O4 MNPs (bare and silica coated) is ferrimagnetic at room temperature. Zeta potential studies revealed that there is enhanced colloidal stability of MgFe2O4 MNPs after silica coating in aqueous media which is an applicable potential in biomedical applications.

Synthesis, Magneto-structural Properties and Colloidal Stability Studies of Ni0.3Zn0.7Fe2O4 Nanoparticles Coated with Pluronic P123 Block Copolymer for Potential Biomedical Applications

Spinel Ni0.3Zn0.7Fe2O4 (NZFO) magnetic nanoparticles was prepared by the low temperature auto-combustion method using a glycine fuel-rich composition without any further heat treatment at high temperature. Subsequently, the synthesized MNPs were coated with Pluronic P123 (PP123) after its surface was functionalized with oleic acid (OA). The effect of the coatings on the morphology, structural and magnetic properties of NZFO nanoparticles was studied using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The colloidal behaviour of coated MNPs in physiological saline medium like water or phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was also studied by zeta potential measurements. XRD results showed the formation of cubic spinel crystalline phase with and without OA–PP123 coatings. Also, after OA–PP123 coating, the crystallite size (from Scherrer formula) decreases from 55 to 53 nm. However, an enlargement in the particle size and a reduction in agglomeration were observed from FE-SEM results when the nanoparticles were coated with OA–PP123. VSM measurements showed ferromagnetic behaviour at room temperature before and after coating. The colloidal stability study of the coated sample revealed a considerable high zeta potential value at physiological pH (7.4) highlighting its potential biomedical applications.

The interplay of post-translational modification and gene therapy

Several proteins interact either to activate or repress the expression of other genes during transcription. Based on the impact of these activities, the proteins can be classified into readers, modifier writers, and modifier erasers depending on whether histone marks are read, added, or removed, respectively, from a specific amino acid. Transcription is controlled by dynamic epigenetic marks with serious health implications in certain complex diseases, whose understanding may be useful in gene therapy. This work highlights traditional and current advances in post-translational modifications with relevance to gene therapy delivery. We report that enhanced understanding of epigenetic machinery provides clues to functional implication of certain genes/gene products and may facilitate transition toward revision of our clinical treatment procedure with effective fortification of gene therapy delivery.

Abstract LB-124: Preliminary anti-proliferative effect of ethanolic extracts of Xylopia aethiopica on prostate and breast cancer cell lines

Xylopia aethiopica (African Pepper), a plant found throughout West Africa, has both nutritional and medicinal uses. The aim of this research was to study the preliminary anti-proliferative effects of ethanolic extracts of Xylopia aethiopica on prostate and breast cancer cell lines. Dried X. aethiopica fruits were extracted with 70% ethanol and tested against prostate(LNCaP) and breast cancer (MCF7 and MDA-MB231) cells’ viability in vitro using the MTT ((3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The IC50 values for the extract were determined through linear regression using GraphPad Prism 6 software. The data obtained were expressed as mean ± SEM. Statistical analysis was carried out by one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnet9s test (α = 0.05) to compare experimental means with controls. The data generated indicates that X. aethiopica fruits extract showed a dose-dependent anti-proliferative activity against LNCaP, MDA-MB231and MCF7 cancer cell lines after treatment for 48 and 72 hours. The extract induced a 16.96% and 93.5% inhibition on MDA-MB231 cells, 29.76% and 94.03% on the MCF7 cells and a 9.15% and 94.61% inhibition on the LNCaP cells at the lowest (1μg/ml) and highest (100μg/ml) dose respectively after 48 hours. The extract induced a 12.26% and 91.8% cell growth inhibition on the MDA-MB231 cells, 3.35% and 87.36% growth inhibition on the MCF7 cells and 2.28% and 92.42% cell growth inhibition on the LNCaP cells at the lowest (1μg/ml) and highest (100μg/ml) dose respectively after 72 hours. The IC50 was estimated to be 3.408μg/ml, 2.064μg/ml, 3.371μg/ml for MDA-MB231, MCF7 and LNCaP cells respectively. The data generated from this research indicates the anti-proliferative effects of ethanolic extract of X. aethiopica fruits on breast and prostate cancer cells. This can be seen from the inhibition of cell growth by this extract thus highlighting its potential as a therapy against breast and prostate cancer. Citation Format: Emeka E.J Iweala, Eunice W. Bankole. Preliminary anti-proliferative effect of ethanolic extracts of Xylopia aethiopica on prostate and breast cancer cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-124.