ABSTRACT Eukaryotic pathogens are responsible for several serious human diseases, however, most drugs used as treatment regimens are ineffective while others still in use are toxic. This study seeks to identify bioactive molecules from wood decay fungal (WDF) extracts with activity against eukaryotic pathogens (especially Candida albicans and Plasmodium falciparum). The Saccharomyces cerevisiae model organism for eukaryotic cell biology studies is extensively used to screen bioactive molecul...
ABSTRACT Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes are able to infect the mosquito even at levels below microscopic detection and are responsible for malaria transmission. Gametocytes are exposed to immune pressure from the host and as a result, the host is able to develop antibodies against these gametocytes. However, it has not been determined whether naturally acquired immune response against gametocytes have a direct correlation with the presence of sub-microscopic gametocytes in the peripheral ...
ABSTRACT The suitability o f five Schistosoma genus-specific monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) (Sh3/34.10, Sh3/38.2, Sh4/14.3, Sh5/32.30 and Sh5/34.10) in detecting schistosome antigens in infected human and cattle was evaluated. These antibodies were employed in various diagnostic assays to diagnose human and animal schistosomiasis. Extant MoAb secreting hybridoma cells were first propagated in culture to produce the MoAbs. The culture supernatants containing secreted antibodies were analysed b...
ABSTRACT Current efforts to eliminate malaria worldwide are soaring and one of the approaches to this is the mass screening of medicinal plants for their possible potential anti-malarial property. The current study conducted was to determine the effect of one such plant, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta on gametocyte development. In vitro growth inhibition assays on early and late gametocytes stage using ethanolic and aqueous extract of the C. sanguinolenta roots was performed. Enzyme activity assa...
ABSTRACT Human systemic fungal infections have increased in the past decade due to the dramatic increase in immunocompromised patients hence the emergence of resistant fungal strains. It is therefore necessary to discover new antifungal compounds with novel mode of action. This study was aimed at isolating and characterizing antifungal agents from wood decaying fungi (WDF). The growth conditions for maximum production of bioactive agents from WDF were first tested. It was observed that miner...
ABSTRACT The trade in traditional aphrodisiacs on the street of Nigeria is at all-time high. Several types are on display or advertised by vendors. One of such is Calotropis procera. The aphrodisiac potential of Calotropis procera aqueous stem extract was investigated on some reproductive markers in matured sexually active male albino rats. Phytochemical screening was performed following standard protocols, the mineral composition determination was also carried out using standard method. A to...
ABSTRACT The impact of pollution due to gas flaring on individuals native to Ebocha in Niger Delta Area was investigated. One hundred and five apparently healthy individuals between 21-70years who consented for the study were screened, seventy five individuals from Ebocha and thirty from Nsukka-a control location with no history of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution. Standard analytical procedures were used in the determination of the concentration of ascorbic acid (AA) of the individuals (male...
Most of biochemical reactions in the body generates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are involved in the pathogenesis of oxidative stress-related disorders like diabetes, nephrotoxicity, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, inflammation and neurological disorders when they attack biochemical molecules like proteins, lipids and nucleic acid. Antioxidants are used to protect the cells or tissues against potential attack by ROS. Natural based antioxidants such as catalase, glutathione, superoxi...
Hypoglycaemia in neonates is defined as blood glucose concentration below 1.1mmol/l for term neonates. A common abnormality in neonates, it is associated, with neurological damage and death when it occurs in the first few days of life. This is more pronounced in rural set-ups without the knowledge, detection and management facilities. When promptly diagnosed and managed, its effects can be prevented or minimized. Studies at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) show that 59.8% of all neonates ...
ABSTRACT Inflammation is a reaction to irritants that causes an injury to the body. Pain is a physical discomfort caused by injury or illness while pyrexia is an increase in body temperature above the normal range (36.5°C–37.5°C). Commonly used conventional drugs against inflammation, pain and pyrexia are effective but due to long term use, these drugs tend to be costly and are associated with adverse side effects. Traditional medicine has been used as an alternative and complementary d...
Cancer is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and accounts for up to 28,000 deaths annually in Kenya. Globally, approximately 13% of all deaths annually are attributed to cancer. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are the current treatment techniques for cancer; however, these methods are expensive, have high failure rates and have been associated with detrimental side effects. Plants derived products could be good candidates in alleviating challenges being exp...
ABSTRACT Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common microvascular complication occurring five years from onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus, leading to renal failure and death. It is characterized by albuminuria and a reduced glomerular filtration rate. Although much emphasis has been placed on screening for albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to predict or diagnose DN, less attention has been focused on the role of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in risk asses...
ABSTRACT Diabetes Mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders sharing a common underlying feature of hyperglycemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. The disease may present with characteristic symptoms such as polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, blurring of vision, and weight loss and in its most severe forms, ketoacidosis or a non-ketotic hyperosmolar state may develop and lead to stupor, coma and, in absence of effective treatment, death. Hyperglycemia may be as ...
ABSTRACT Rapid urbanization has resulted into substantial increase in quantities of sewage, which is traditionally discharged into the ocean, causing a number of environmental problems including threats to oceanic lives as well as ground water contamination. So far, there is limited data in Kenya regarding the toxic effects of sewage on benthic organisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the biogeochemical effects of sewage pollution on the mollusc Nerita polita by determining its im...
ABSTRACT Tsetse flies (Glossina sp) are the vector of African trypanosomes, the causative agents of sleeping sickness in man and Nagana in cattle. The insect is strictly hematophagous, taking in significantly high quantities of water during bloodmeals that present a considerable osmotic challenge. This necessitates machinery for eliminating excess water. One potential candidate is a group of membrane channel proteins called aquaporins (AQPs) that are responsible for the movement of water acr...