Browsing by Author "Nweze, C.C."

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    The Ameliorative Roles of Vitamin C and Vitamin D in Sars-Cov-2 (Covid-19) and Respiratory Diseases: A Review
    (Department of Biochemistry, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-11-30) Nweze, C.C.; Muhammad, Yusuf B.; Haruna, Sunday Gambo
    Vitamin C and D can decrease the risks associated with viral infections by regulating the body’s immune system and response against viral activities and decrease the risks and virulence of severe viral respiratory tract infections. Research and experience have shown that Vitamin C is a possible therapy for SARS-CoV-2 because vitamin C has a promising role in maintaining proper body functions and also helps in removing damaged reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protect cells from oxidative damage. Vitamin C is needed in an adequate amount for proper immune function and stability which is a panacea for combating the scourge of infectious agents such as SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19). Vitamin D has also been shown to ameliorate and cushion the risk of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) via several metabolic mechanisms and pathways: adequate concentrations of vitamin D in cells can decrease the amount and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines which are predominantly released from innate immune cells. In the base membrane, vitamin D helps to preserve tight junctions. Adequate plasma levels of vitamin D can eliminate protein-enveloped viruses with cathelicidin (a polypeptide which is mainly expresses in neutrophils macrophages, epithelial cells) activation. These processes can reduce the risk of a cytokine storm which often results to severe pneumonia. Clinical trials prove that elevated amount of 1, 25(OH) vitamin D derivative will potentially decrease the risk of viral pneumonia, dengue fever, hepatitis B, C and herpes infections. Thus, multivitamins C, D could play a pivotal role as curative agents against influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections
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    Effect of Antioxidant Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods on Blood Serum and Immune Activation of HIV Infected Patients in Abuja, Nigeria
    (Department of Zoology, Nasarawa State, University Keffi, 2015-02-02) Nweze, C.C.; Andrew, Yako B.; Uzoukwu, A.E.; Rasaq, N.O.
    Oxidative .stress induced 'by free radicals (Reactive Oxygen species ) during Human Immunodeficiency Virus.(HIV) infection impairs immune functions through the destruction of cluster of differentiation antigen 4 (CD4H-), causes more rapid disease progression, cell death je.g. blood cells, increase viral replication and increase requirements for dietary antipxidanfsuch'as B-carptene, Vitamin C and E respectively. These dietary requirements reduce oxidative stress and are very important especially in HIV/AIDS infected individuals. They can be found as finished antioxidants extracts called nutraceuticals (N) or as natural forms called functional foods # * i 9 (Fruits and Vegetables) (F). This study investigates the effects of antioxidants supplementation (both nutraceutical and functional food) on some hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, PLT, . PCV, HB, etc) and the .lipid of some HIV infected individuals. The result obtained showed thaf. - the dietary antioxidant supplementation brought about a significant increase (p<0.05) in] the hematological .parameters and the lipid-profile of the test groups compared to the control. This show that dietary antioxidant supplementation may reduce the progression of HIV through the reduction of oxidative stress as evident in the increased CD4 levels of the test groups. .
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    AN EPIDEMIC OF COCCIDIOSIS IN CHICKENS SOLD IN KEFFI CENTRAL MARKET, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA.
    (Department Of Zoology, Faculty Of Natural And Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2016-12-16) Andrew, Yako B.; Nweze, C.C.; Ogunnu, F.J.; Chessed, G.
    The epidemics of coccidiosis in chickens were confined to Keffi central market of Nasarawa State. Species of Rimeria occurring in 250 stool sampled were examined using floatation method and 90(36%) were found • infected, with eight different species of Eimeria. The highest infection was recorded in Eimerici mitis 28(11%); with the least in E. tenella 1 (0.0%) amoftg the hybrid breeds of chicken. The different species of Eimeria were ' present in and among various breeds. In species predominance, shows the level of immunity of various breeds •' ’ ol chicken against the different species of Eimeria, though, there was no significant relevance in the spread of Eimeriasis among the hybrid and local breeds of chicken sold at Keffi central market (%2=102.40>S-99) at 5% \ level of significance. However, farmers should ensure adequate safety standards and maintained tie relative spread of Eimeria infection of chickens which are detrimental to man.
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    Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Citrullus lanatus (Water Melon) Fruit-Parts Extracts on the Liver of Acetaminophen-Intoxicated Albino Rats
    (Department of Biochemistry, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-10-29) Enemali, M.O.; Asogwa, M.E.; Nweze, C.C.; Haruna, Sunday Gambo; Ijeomah, A.U.
    There is always the need to study the bioactive components present in the various parts of edible fruits. This will go a long way to providing an idea of its potential biological benefits when consumed. The current study evaluated the protective effect of C. lanatus fruit’s endocarp/exocarp, mesocarp and seed extracts on the liver of albino rats. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis was also done following standard methods. The albino rats were divided into nine groups of five per group and treated thus; group 1 (normal control), group 2, Acetaminophen (2 g/kg), group 3, 200 mg/kg silymarin + 2 g/kg Acetaminophen, group 4, 200 mg/kg mesocarp + 2 g/kg Acetaminophen, group 5, 400 mg/kg, group 6, 200 mg/kg exocarp, group 7, 400 mg/kg exocarp, group 8, 200 mg/kg seeds, group 9, 400 mg/kg seeds. The pre-treatment with the extracts lasted for 14 days then acetaminophen administered. The rats were sacrificed after 48 hours of intoxication. Results showed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, Tannins, steroids and terpenoids and glycosides while saponins and flavonoids were not detected in the endocarp. In the mesocarp, glycosides, phenolics, steroids and terpenoids and tannins were present while Saponins and flavonoids were not detected. Seed extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, steroids and terpenoids. Glycosides and saponins were not detected. The activities of AST, ALT and ALP were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in group 2 (55.80 ± 3.11, 20.80 ± .84 and 27.00 ± 1.22 respectively) when compared to the normal control group (group 1) (32.00 ± 2.12, 9.00 ± 1.00 and 19.80 ± 4.49 respectively). The administration of the extracts (group 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) led to a significant decrease in the serum activities of AST (51.40 ± 1.14, 48.60 ± 7.57, 39.20 ± 1.79, 48.00 ± 1.73, 51.00 ± 0.00 and 47.00 ± 2.74) and ALT (10.20 ± 1.30, 11.20 ± 1.30, 17.20 ± 2.77, 20.00 ± 0.71, 17.60 ± 0.55 and 18.20 ± 1.64) when compared with the acetaminophen group (group 2). Photomicrograph images showed normal liver morphology in the control groups 1 and 3, 200 mg/kg mesocarp and 400 mg/kg seed extract administered groups, indicating that the two extract doses better protected the liver against damage occasioned by acetaminophen
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    Family Eimeridae:
    (Department Of Zoology, Faculty Of Natural And Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2006-04-20) Andrew, Yako B.; Nweze, C.C.; Ogunnu, F.J.; Chessed, G.
    The epidemics ofcoccidiosis in chickens were confined to Keffi central market of Nasarawa State. Species of Eimeria occurring in 250 stool sampled were examined using floatation method and 90(36%) were found infected with eight different species of Eimeria. The highest infection was recorded in Eimeria mitis 28(11%) with the least in E. tenella 1(0.0%) among the hybrid breeds of chicken. The different species of Eimeria were present in and among various breeds. In species predominance, Shows the level of immunity of various breeds of chicken against the different species of Eimeria, though, there was no significant relevance in the spread of Eimeriasis among the hybrid and local breeds of chicken sold at Keffi central market IQ-? 40>5.99) at 5% level of significance. However, farmers" should ensure adequate safety standards and ' tainted the relative spread of Eimeria infection of chickens which are detrimental to man.
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    Hypoglycemic, Hepatoprotective and Hypolipidemic Effects of Pleurotus ostreatus in Alloxan-Induced Hyperglycemic Rats
    (Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2017-10-09) Nweze, C.C.; Unhenin, Abraham E.; Lay, Tayyibah U.; Muhammad, Abdullahi Ubana
    Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushroom) is increasingly being recognized as an important food product with a significant role in human health and nutrition. The present study aims at evaluating the effect of Pleurotus ostreatus in Diabetes mellitus and its complications. Experimental diabetes was induced following an overnight fast, by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg) to experimental animals (Wistar rats). Normal saline (0.5 mL) was injected to control group animals. Hyperglycemia was confirmed three days after injection by measuring the blood glucose level. The Diabetic rats were fed with broiler feeds supplemented with dried Oyster mushroom powder at doses of 10 and 20 g daily for a period of four weeks whereas the negative control animals were given only broiler feeds. The results showed that intraperitoneal injection of alloxan significantly (p < 0.05) elevated blood glucose level accompanied by significant increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), sodium (Na+), bicarbonate (HCO3 -), potassium (K+) and with a concomitant decrease in serum total protein, high-density lipoprotein and chloride (Cl-). Oyster mushroom powder at doses of 10 and 20 g daily for four weeks resulted in a reversal of the above pathological conditions associated with diabetes. Between the two doses tested, 20 g daily of oyster mushroom showed more potency in ameliorating the scourge of diabetes and its complications. Therefore, the study has revealed the potential therapeutic effect of oyster mushroom in the management of diabetes and its complications.
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    IMMUNE SYSTEM RESPONSE TO CHANGES.IN DIFFERENT ’ ANTIOXIDANT DIETARY INTERVENTION ON STAFF OF NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI
    (Department of Zoology, Nasarawa State, University Keffi, 2017-03-03) Nweze, C.C.; Solomon, M.; Andrew, Yako B.; Enemali, M.O.; Ijeomah,A.U.
    Effect of antioxidant functional foods and nutraceuticals on malortdkldehyde (MBA) level, cytotoxic clusters . of differentiation antigen 4 (CD4) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) in male and female individuals were studied-. for six months. The volunteers included a total of 150 healthy adults of 96 men and‘54 women aged between 30 and 74 years. They were made ursign an informed consent form, questioner and unethical approval was gotten;* *' At the baseline, eligible candidates were randomized to either 1 capsule per day of antioxidant! nutraceutical (Forever living product) (containing vitamin E 10 mg, vitamin C 60mg and (i- carotene 2000 nieg of vitamin • A, or cheap affordable indigenous antioxidant functional foods of equivalent vitamin composition of orang&s,’. carrots, and soybean or bottled w.ater, and the first dose was dispensed and followed up for six months. There was a positive decrease in MDA. and IgM values and a positive increase in CD4 counts after antioxidant dietary intervention. However, a lower concentration of MDA, and higher level of IgM and CD4 in men than in female at some age ranges was observed. The study showed that the indigenous antioxidant functional foods could be used as an alternative to the expensive imported antioxidant nutraceuticais in boosting.immunity and therefore suggest such for immune- compromised individuals especially in developing countries like Nigeria. • 0 ;
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    MICROSPORA: SPORES INFILTRATION OF GASTROINTESTINAL EPITHELIUM AMONG HIV/AIDS HOSPITAL ADMISSION, KEFFI, NIGERIA
    (Department of Zoology, Nasarawa State, University Keffi, 2005-04-21) Andrew, Yako B.; Nweze, C.C.; Adebayo, E.A.; Chessed, G.
    The infiltration of Microsporidium species in HIV/AIDS patients was subjected to parasitological examination of stool specimens at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi. Of the total number 200/93 (46.50%) were positive for Microsporidium species. Giemsa ipethod was used and High infection rate was observed in both sexes (50.00%) and Civil servants (50.00%) were most vulnerable to microsporidium infection. The species, Enterocyto zoonbieneusi and Encephalito zoonintestinalis (21.50%) got infiltrated in the . gastrointestinal epithelium of of HIV/AIDS patients with a significant association of microsporidium and HIV virus ( = 3.288 < 7.815, df = 3). ). However, diarrhoea was frequent in the ages of 21 and 40 years (3 — 10 times bowel/ day). This condition was considered a significant cause of death and accelerates the patient’s illness with dehydration and emaciation seen among .patients. This calls for strict hygienic conditions to avoid infection* with microsporidia spores contaminated in water or food. .
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    PLASMA ANTIOXIDANT MICRO NUTRIENTS LEVEL OF APPARENTLY HEALTHY ADULTS AFTER A DIETARY INTERVENTION BASED ON AGE AND GENDER IN NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI, NIGERIA
    (Department Of Zoology, Faculty Of Natural And Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2006-04-22) Nweze, C.C.; Solomon, M.; Andrew, Yako B.; Ijeoma, A.U.
    Immunologic functions, particularly cell-mediated immunity, declines with age, contributing to the increased incidence of infectious diseases in the elderly. The study looked at vitamin C, vitamin E, and a-carotene levels in plasma of 150 healthy adults of 96 men and 54 women aged between 30 and 74 years. The subjects were randomly grouped into three at baseline for further dietary studies. Either 1 capsule per day of antioxidant nutraceuticai (Forever living product) (containing vitamin E 10 mg, vitamin C 60mg and a- carotene 2000 meg of vitamin A) or cheap and affordable indigenous antioxidant functional foods of equivalent vitamin composition oforanges, carrots, and soybean bottled water. The first dose was dispensed and followed up for six months. The result showed that the vit C, E and a- concentration of antioxidant treated groups were or carotene positively influenced titan the placebo group Gm 1 CAT m Grp 3 (AT-F). was affected more positively than the ant oxidant' Grp 2 (AT-N) Vitamin C, E, and a-carotene concentrations of the elderly are beyond reference/norma] range of blood p|asma.
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    Serum lipoproteins response to twelve months changes in antioxidants: Influence of nutraceuticals and functional foods intervention on age and gender
    (Department of Biochemistry, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2018-12-08) Nweze, C.C.; Solomon, M.; Haruna, Sunday Gambo
    The bioactive compounds in encapsulated-nutraceuticals have contributed to reducing oxidative stress. The cost of these encapsulated extracts makes them unaffordable to the low income groups in developing countries such as Nigeria. Thus, the search for alternative affordable antioxidant functional foods is best alternative. This study investigated effect of two antioxidants on blood lipids and lipoproteins. The study was undertaken by healthy volunteers of 96 males and 54 females within the ages of 30-74 years old. Volunteers were randomly divided into three groups and blood samples collected at intervals of baseline and six months. Volunteers were randomized to either 1 capsule per day of antioxidant nutraceutical, antioxidant functional foods or placebo. Blood samples were analysed for Cholestrol, Tryglyceride, LDLc, HDLc, and Uric acid at baseline and twelve monrhs. All were significantly reduced (p<0.05), exception of HDLc that significantly increased (p<0.05). The study indicates that functional foods antioxidants improved the serum lipids and lipoproteins indices.