Victoria A. Olatunji

Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Petals of Red and Green Hibiscus sabdariffa. on Plasma Lipid and Hematological Variables in Rats

Abstract The effects of administrating aqueous extracts of the petals of red and green Hibiscus sabdariffa. (1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg body weight) on hematological and plasma lipid variables were examined in rats. Animals were randomly divided into group A (control), groups B and C (treated with 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg body weight, respectively, of the extract of petals of red Hibiscus sabdariffa.), and groups D and E (treated with 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg body weight, respectively, of the extract of petals of green Hibiscus sabdariffa.). The chronic administration of both extracts for 28 days resulted in significant decreases in the plasma total cholesterol levels at 1.5 mg/kg body weight (p < 0.05) while the extracts led to significant decreases in LDL-cholesterol levels at both 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg body weight only (p < 0.05). In contrast, the administration of the extracts did not have any significant effect on HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and platelet count values when compared with the controls (p > 0.05). These results indicate that the lowered plasma total cholesterol concentrations induced by aqueous extracts of either red or green Hibiscus sabdariffa. petals is strongly associated with decreased LDL-cholesterol concentrations. Thus, both extracts could exert similar cardiovascular protective effects.

Chronic Administration of Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa. Enhances Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase Activities of Rat Heart

Abstract The effect of oral administration of an aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa. Linn petals on Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activities of rat heart have been investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats. The extract was administered orally in doses of 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Results showed that Hibiscus sabdariffa. treatment led to significant increases (p < 0.001) of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase at both doses. Cardiac weight index of rats treated with H. sabdariffa. at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) compared with those of the control and rats treated with H. sabdariffa. at a lower dose. Administration of the extract at both doses did not show any signs of cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity as judged by biochemical “marker” enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase) activities in plasma, heart, and liver of rats. These results demonstrate that aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa. enhances cardiac Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activities and supports the public belief that H. sabdariffa. may be a safe cardioprotective agent.

Retinal imaging with smartphone

Background: The use of smartphones for various purposes among health professionals is increasing, especially with the availability of different applications. On account of cost, fundus cameras are not readily available in ophthalmic practice in developing countries. Since smartphones are readily available, easy to use and portable, they may present a cheap alternative in a resource-limited economy. Aim and Objectives: to explore the use of smartphone (Blackberry Z-10) for retinal imaging in a resource-limited economy. Methods: A smartphone (Blackberry Z-10) was used to acquire retinal images with the use of +20D lens in patients with dilated pupils by activating the video mode of the camera. Results: Clear retinal images were obtained in different clinical conditions in adults and children including branch retinal vein occlusion with fibrovascular proliferation, chorioretinal scarring from laser photocoagulation, presumed ocular toxoplasmosis, diabetic retinopathy, retinoblastoma, ocular albinism with fundus hypopigmentation. Conclusion: The ability to have low cost fundus imaging from readily available smartphones in an eye clinic in Nigeria presents a major boost to patient care and also offers an innovative role in research, education, and information sharing.

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. drink improves postural stress-induced myocardial oxygen consumption changes in young adult men and women

Aim: We hypothesized that Hibiscus sabdariffa drink would affect pressor and myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO 2 ) responses induced by postural stress in young healthy volunteers, and that the impact would be stronger in women than men. Materials and Methods: In a randomized, controlled, cross-over study, 25 young healthy male and 25 female subjects (18-27 years) drank nothing (control), water (500 ml; vehicle) or H. sabdariffa (1.4% w/v) 30 min before standing on three separate days of appointment. We measured supine and standing brachial blood pressure and heart rate (HR). MVO 2 was also estimated by the rate-pressure product (RPP). Results: Increases in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and RPP induced by standing when nothing or water was drunk was significantly larger (P < 0.05) than when H. sabdariffa drink was taken in both male and female subjects. However, H. sabdariffa drink had a stronger (P < 0.05) effect on SBP in women than in men, whereas the effect on RPP was stronger (P < 0.05) in men. Increases in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and HR induced by standing when water was drunk were significantly larger than when H. sabdariffa drink was ingested in men. Conversely, increase in DBP induced by standing during water ingestion was not significantly attenuated by H. sabdariffa drink in women. Conclusion: The findings in the present study indicate H. sabdariffa drink impacts positively on the heart by reducing its demand for O 2 during postural stress, with a stronger effect in men relatively to women. This may be an important dietary intervention in preventing the development of cardiac dysfunctions among young individuals.

Triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 independently predict high pulse pressure in sickle cell trait and disease

Abstract We hypothesised that TG/HDL-C ratio and PAI-1 would be associated with high pulse pressure (PP) in young adults with sickle cell trait (SCT) and sickle cell disease (SCD). We compared the clinical, biochemical, and cardiometabolic parameters among individuals with normal genotype (HbAA; n = 60), SCT (HbAS; n = 60), and SCD (HbSS; n = 60), all in steady state. Using multivariate linear regression analysis, high PP was positively related to TG/HDL-C ratio in SCT (β = 0.307; p = .014) and PAI-1 (β = 0.499; p = .001) in SCD. The curve of receiver operating characteristic also showed that TG/HDL-C ratio and PAI-1 are efficient predictors of high PP in SCT carriers and SCD patients, respectively. This study suggests that increased levels of TG/HDL-C ratio and PAI-1 may be salient risk factors that would promote the development of arterial stiffness and other CVD in SCT carriers and SCD patients.

Normal values of intraocular pressure in full-term Nigerian newborns

Purpose To determine the normative range of intraocular pressure (IOP) in full-term newborns and possible association with birth parameters during the first week of life. Methods This was an observational cross sectional study in which IOP was measured in 1000 eyes of 500 normal full-term newborns using the Perkins applanation tonometer under topical anesthesia. An average of three readings was taken as the IOP value. The relationship between IOP and birth parameters was analyzed. Results The male to female ratio was 1:1 with 254 (50.8%) male and 246 (49.2%) female babies. The (mean ± SD) value of IOP in the right eyes was 11.93 ± 1.80 mmHg, ranging between 9.00 and 16 mmHg. In the left eyes, the mean value of IOP was 11.84 ± 1.77 mmHg with a range of 8.00–15.00 mmHg. IOP in males (12.02 ± 1.84 mmHg) was not significantly different from that in females (11.89 ± 1.75 mmHg). There was no significant difference between right and left eyes (p = 0.42). The 95% range (mean ± 2 SD) was 15.53 mmHg for the right eye and 15.38 mmHg for the left. Correlational analysis showed that birth weight and gestational age were positively correlated with IOP. Conclusion This study provides useful normative data on IOP among Nigerian full-term newborns. Further studies on possible ethnic/geographic variations of IOP in children may be beneficial.

Perception and attitude of a rural community regarding adult blindness in North Central Nigeria

Aim: To determine the perception and attitudes of a rural community regarding the etiology, prevention, and treatment of blindness in adults. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed in a rural community in Kwara State, Nigeria using semi-structured questionnaire. All adults aged 40 years or older who were residents for a minimum of 6 months in the community were included. Data were collected on patient demographics, knowledge, attitude, perception, and use of the eye care facility. Results: A total of 290 participants were interviewed. The male-to-female ratio was 1:2. Consumption of certain types of food was an important cause of blindness as perceived by 57.9% of the respondents, followed by supernatural forces (41.7%) and aging (19%). Sixty percent of respondents thought blindness could be prevented. Age (P = 0.04) and level of education (P =0.003) significantly affected the beliefs on the prevention of blindness. Most respondents (79.3%) preferred orthodox eye care, but only 65% would accept surgical intervention if required. The level of education significantly affected the acceptance of surgery (P = 0.04). Reasons for refusing surgery were, fear (64%), previous poor outcomes in acquaintances (31%), belief that surgery is not required (3%), and cost (2%). About 65% used one form of traditional eye medication or the other. Over half (56.6%) believed that spectacles could cure all causes of blindness. Of those who had ocular complaints, 57.1% used orthodox care without combining with either traditional or spiritual remedies. Conclusion: This rural Nigerian community had some beliefs that were consistent with modern knowledge. However, the overall knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of this community need to be redirected to favor the eradication of avoidable blindness. Although an eye care facility was available, use by the community was suboptimal. Age and the level of education affected their overall perception and attitudes.