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Item MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF MULTIPLE INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE IN Anopheles funestus sensu stricto AT AKAKA-REMO, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA(2019-03) ATOYEBI, S.MThe use of insecticides against malaria vectors has been a good approach to control malaria, but its efficacy is threatened by mosquito resistance to the lethal doses. In Nigeria, Anopheles funestus is gradually becoming an important malaria vector, especially in rural areas. However, despite recurring cases of Insecticide Resistance (IR) in some Anopheles species, there is a dearth of information on the molecular mechanisms of IR in An. funestus. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of IR in An. funestus at Akaka-Remo, Southwestern Nigeria. Early morning collections of adult mosquitoes were conducted from October 2014 to April 2015 in 30 rooms (25 houses) at Akaka-Remo (population density = 5,585). The mosquitoes were identified with standard keys, but only An. funestus (F0) was identified to sub-species level by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The F0 was analysed for Plasmodium Infection Rate (PIR) by TaqMan real-time PCR, and screened for Knockdown resistance (Kdr) mutations using next-generation sequencing. The gene sequences generated were analysed with bioinformatics tools. The F0 was further subjected to forced-egg laying technique to generate the F1. The mortality rate of 2-5 day old F1 exposed to permethrin- (0.75%), deltamethrin- (0.05%), DDT- (4%), dieldrin- (4%) and bendiocarb (0.1%)-treated papers was determined using WHO standard procedures. The contribution of detoxifying enzymes to IR was assessed by first exposing the F1 to three standard synergists: Piperonyl Butoxide (PB:4%), S,S,S-Tributyl Phosphorotrithioate (STP:0.25%) and Diethyl Maleate (DM:8%); and to permethrin and DDT, respectively. Microarray and real-time PCR were used to identify differentially expressed genes in permethrin and DDT-resistant populations. The frequency of resistant and susceptible alleles in DDT (L119F-GSTe2) and dieldrin (A296S-RDL) resistance markers was determined in the F0 and F1 genotype using TaqMan real-time PCR. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Student’s t-test at 0.05. A total of 375 mosquitoes were collected and identified as An. funestus (83.8%), An. gambiae (6.9%), Culex species (5.6%), Aedes species (1.3%) and Mansonia species (2.4%). All Anopheles funestus were further identified as An. funestus sensu stricto, with a PIR of 8.0%; and no Kdr mutations. Permethrin, deltamethrin, DDT, dieldrin, and bendiocarb induced 68.0, 87.0, 10.0, 8.0 and 84.0 % mortalities, respectively in the F1, indicating resistance. Exposure of the F1 to the three synergists with permethrin induced 100% mortality each; while PB, STP and DM with DDT, respectively induced 30.0, 81.8 and 71.4% mortalities. These suggest that detoxifying enzymes contributed to IR in the mosquitoes. Overexpressed genes in the resistant populations were GSTe2, GSTd3, GSTd1-5, GSTU2, CYP6P2, CYP6P9a, CYP6P4a and CYP9K1. The frequency of resistant alleles in L119F-GSTe2 and A296S-RDL was significantly high: F0=77.0%, F1=80.0% and F0=76.0%, F1=90.0%, respectively compared to the susceptible alleles: F0=23.0%, F1=20.0% and F0=24.0%, F1=10.0%, respectively. Overexpression of detoxifying genes and the high frequency of resistant-associated mutations were responsible for multiple insecticide resistance in the Anopheles funestus at Akaka-Remo.Item HOST CYTOKINE GENE POLYMORPHISMS AND PARASITE GENETIC VARIABILITY IN DETERMINING THE DISEASE OUTCOME OF Plasmodium falciparum INFECTION(2012-09) OYEDEJI, S.IMalaria, the world’s most important tropical parasitic disease is caused by Plasmodium species. Infection with Plasmodium falciparum can result in one of three possible disease outcomes: Asymptomatic (AS), Uncomplicated Malaria (UM) or Severe Malaria (SM). Information on host genetic factors and parasite genetic diversity can improve understanding of the disease pathogenesis. In this study, the genetic diversity of P. falciparum isolates as well as polymorphisms in host cytokine genes was investigated in relation to the outcome of P. falciparum infection. Four hundred and thirty-seven children recruited from the Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nasarawa State were assigned into UM or SM based on malaria severity, determined by clinical and laboratory diagnoses. Asymptomatic children recruited from primary schools within the study location constituted the control group (AS). Plasmodium falciparum infection was confirmed by PCR-based assay of SSUrRNA genes. Genetic diversity of P. falciparum was analyzed by genotyping the polymorphic domains of the Merozoite Surface Protein 2 (MSP-2). Host cytokine genes investigated included Interleukin-18 (IL-18), IL-18 receptor alpha (IL-18Rα) and Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α). Sequencing of MSP-2 gene and of the pro-inflammatory cytokines was carried out using ABI PRISM® 3100. Sequences were analyzed using the BioEdit Sequence Alignment software. Genotype and allelic frequencies were analyzed by Chi-square test. The level of significance was set at P=0.05. All participants had P. falciparum infection. Polyclonality was significantly higher in the AS (61%) and UM (60%) groups compared with the SM (34%) group. Mean multiple infections was 2.1 ±1.0 in AS, 2.0 ±1.0 in UM and 1.3 ±0.6 in SM. A total of 32, 35 and 28 distinct MSP-2 alleles were found in the AS, UM and SM groups respectively. Frequency of the 3D7 allele type was significantly higher in UM (51%) and SM (54%) groups compared to the AS group (38%). Sequence analysis of the central variable region of the MSP-2 gene showed that the FC27-type sequence was characterised by two unique subtypes and hybrid sharing sequence with the two subtypes. The 3D7-type sequence was characterised by three subtypes of repetitive domains: a GSA-rich repeat unit, a TPA repeat motif and a poly-Threonine stretch. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): -656G/T, -607C/A and -137G/C were identified at the promoter region of IL-18 gene. The -656G/T and -607C/A SNPs were found to be in complete linkage disequilibrium. The genotype frequency of -607AA was significantly higher in the AS group compared to SM cases (χ2=4.26, P<0.05). Likewise, four SNPs were identified at the promoter and Exon 1 of the IL-18Rα: -661T/C, -175G/A, -93C/T and Ex1 +21C/G but none was associated with disease outcome based on statistical level of significance. Exons 2 to 11 of IL-18Rα gene were relatively conserved. Furthermore, two SNPs: -308G/A and -238G/A were identified at the promoter region of TNF-α but none was associated with disease outcome. Plasmodium falciparum was found to be genetically heterogeneous. Higher carriage of Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 alleles indicates higher risk of developing symptomatic malaria. There was association between IL18 -607AA genotype and asymptomatic infection, probably indicating a protective role.Item GENETIC AND SYSTEMIC TOXICITY INDUCED BY TITANIUM DIOXIDE AND ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR MIXTURE IN SOMATIC AND GERM CELLS OF MICE(2018-11) FADOJU, O.MTitanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are components of personal care products whose continuous release into the environment may enhance co-exposure, with potential risks to the ecosystem. In vitro studies have shown their potential to induce genetic damage. However, there is dearth of information on in vivo induction of DNA and systemic damage, alongside their interactive effects. This study was designed to investigate genetic and systemic toxicity and mechanism of DNA damage by TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles and their mixture in mice. Male Swiss mice (=24.0±2.0g; n=80; 6-8 weeks old) were intraperitoneally exposed to distilled water (Control) and 9.4, 18.8, 37.5, 75.0 and 150.0 mg/kg concentrations of each of the nanoparticles and their mixture (1:1) for 5 days (5 mice/group) to assess micronucleus induction and cytomorphological abnormalities in the bone marrow of mice. Haematological parameters [Haemoglobin, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red Blood Cell (RBC) and White Blood Cell (WBC) counts] were assessed following standard procedures. Mechanism of DNA damage was evaluated by oxidative stress [Superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced Glutathione and Malondialdehyde in the liver and kidney] parameters following standard methods. Sperm count, motility, abnormalities and concentrations of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Testosterone were evaluated in another group of mice (=30.0±2.0g; n=80; 11-15 weeks old), intraperitoneally exposed with the same nanoparticle concentrations (5 mice/group) at 35-day exposure. Liver, kidney and testis were sectioned for histopathological analysis. The Interaction Factor (IF) of nanoparticle mixture was calculated according to standard method. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05. The nanoparticles and mixture induced micronuclei, but significant only for TiO2 (16.8±2.1-53.3±18.5) compared with the control (3.7±0.9). Blebbed, target, hyperchromic and hypochromic erythrocytes were the observed cytomorphological anomalies. The mixture exerted a significant reduction only in the WBC count. In the liver, there was a significant decrease in SOD (unit/mg protein) activities (1.3-1.5; 1.4-2.0; and 1.2-1.6 fold for TiO2, ZnO and mixture, respectively), with increase in Malondialdehyde (nmol/mg protein) levels (1.1-1.7; 1.2-1.8; and 1.7-1.7 fold for TiO2, ZnO and mixture, respectively). In the kidney, there were significant alterations in SOD: 1.2-1.3; and 1.1-1.4 fold decrease for TiO2 and ZnO, respectively; and 1.3-2.0 fold increase for the mixture. While Malondialdehyde levels increased (1.2-1.4; 1.4-1.6; and 1.7-1.9 fold for TiO2, ZnO and mixture, respectively). Both organs showed alterations in reduced Glutathione levels (1.0-1.5 fold decrease for TiO2; 1.0-1.1 fold increase for ZnO and mixture) indicating systemic toxicity. A significant decrease in sperm count and motility; and increase in abnormalities (1.3-8.0; 1.2-2.6; 4.6-12.1 fold for TiO2, ZnO and mixture, respectively), with a concomitant decrease in the serum level of LH and increase in FSH and Testosterone were observed. Hepatocellular and spermatogenic cell necrosis and degeneration of tubular epithelial cells were observed. The IF indicated synergism. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles and their mixture induced genomic and systemic damage in somatic and germ cells of mice; with the mixture synergistically evoking the highest toxic response. Oxidative stress might be one of the mechanisms of cytogenotoxicity.Item GENETIC AND SYSTEMIC TOXICITY INDUCED BY TITANIUM DIOXIDE AND ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR MIXTURE IN SOMATIC AND GERM CELLS OF MICE(2018-11) FADOJU, O.MTitanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are components of personal care products whose continuous release into the environment may enhance co-exposure, with potential risks to the ecosystem. In vitro studies have shown their potential to induce genetic damage. However, there is dearth of information on in vivo induction of DNA and systemic damage, alongside their interactive effects. This study was designed to investigate genetic and systemic toxicity and mechanism of DNA damage by TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles and their mixture in mice. Male Swiss mice (=24.0±2.0g; n=80; 6-8 weeks old) were intraperitoneally exposed to distilled water (Control) and 9.4, 18.8, 37.5, 75.0 and 150.0 mg/kg concentrations of each of the nanoparticles and their mixture (1:1) for 5 days (5 mice/group) to assess micronucleus induction and cytomorphological abnormalities in the bone marrow of mice. Haematological parameters [Haemoglobin, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red Blood Cell (RBC) and White Blood Cell (WBC) counts] were assessed following standard procedures. Mechanism of DNA damage was evaluated by oxidative stress [Superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced Glutathione and Malondialdehyde in the liver and kidney] parameters following standard methods. Sperm count, motility, abnormalities and concentrations of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Testosterone were evaluated in another group of mice (=30.0±2.0g; n=80; 11-15 weeks old), intraperitoneally exposed with the same nanoparticle concentrations (5 mice/group) at 35-day exposure. Liver, kidney and testis were sectioned for histopathological analysis. The Interaction Factor (IF) of nanoparticle mixture was calculated according to standard method. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05. The nanoparticles and mixture induced micronuclei, but significant only for TiO2 (16.8±2.1-53.3±18.5) compared with the control (3.7±0.9). Blebbed, target, hyperchromic and hypochromic erythrocytes were the observed cytomorphological anomalies. The mixture exerted a significant reduction only in the WBC count. In the liver, there was a significant decrease in SOD (unit/mg protein) activities (1.3-1.5; 1.4-2.0; and 1.2-1.6 fold for TiO2, ZnO and mixture, respectively), with increase in Malondialdehyde (nmol/mg protein) levels (1.1-1.7; 1.2-1.8; and 1.7-1.7 fold for TiO2, ZnO and mixture, respectively). In the kidney, there were significant alterations in SOD: 1.2-1.3; and 1.1-1.4 fold decrease for TiO2 and ZnO, respectively; and 1.3-2.0 fold increase for the mixture. While Malondialdehyde levels increased (1.2-1.4; 1.4-1.6; and 1.7-1.9 fold for TiO2, ZnO and mixture, respectively). Both organs showed alterations in reduced Glutathione levels (1.0-1.5 fold decrease for TiO2; 1.0-1.1 fold increase for ZnO and mixture) indicating systemic toxicity. A significant decrease in sperm count and motility; and increase in abnormalities (1.3-8.0; 1.2-2.6; 4.6-12.1 fold for TiO2, ZnO and mixture, respectively), with a concomitant decrease in the serum level of LH and increase in FSH and Testosterone were observed. Hepatocellular and spermatogenic cell necrosis and degeneration of tubular epithelial cells were observed. The IF indicated synergism. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles and their mixture induced genomic and systemic damage in somatic and germ cells of mice; with the mixture synergistically evoking the highest toxic response. Oxidative stress might be one of the mechanisms of cytogenotoxicity.Item EARTHWORM DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE IN SELECTED DUMPSITES IN IBADAN, AND TOXICITY OF CONTAMINATED WATER ON ASSOCIATED FAUNA(2016-08) ADEWOYIN, O.AHuge quantities of wastes which are indiscriminately disposed into uncontrolled dumpsites and flowing waters around residential areas are generated from Ibadan, metropolis. These may adversely affect soil, surface- and ground-water qualities and the fauna. Limited information exists on toxic effects that wastes from these non- designated sites have on associated fauna. Earthworms are one of the dominant fauna in soils and are pollution bioindicators. Therefore this study was designed to investigate physico-chemical parameters, earthworm diversity and abundance, and acute toxicity of contaminated-water on some fauna in selected dumpsites in Ibadan. One-hundred and twenty water samples from streams (Irefin, Gege, Gbagi, Odinjo, and Omi-Adio) receiving domestic wastes; 60-composite soil samples each from dumpsites (Ojokondo, Olodo, Moniya, Idi-Ope and Oremeji) and stream banks; 12- composite soil samples from a control site at University of Ibadan (UI); 72 groundwater samples from wells around the dumpsites and UI were purposively collected once every two months from March 2008 to February 2010. Earthworms from top-soil were sampled using 0.25x0.25 m2 quadrat, handpicked, identified and density determined following standard procedures. Earthworm species’ diversity and evenness were determined using Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Shannon’s evenness, respectively. Water samples were analysed for physico-chemical parameters [including Dissolved-Oxygen (DO), Biochemical-Oxygen-Demand (BOD), and Chemical-Oxygen-Demand (COD)] and soil samples including lead and zinc using standard methods and results were compared with NESREA standards. The 48-hour-LC50 of stream-samples were determined for Cloeon perkinsi (mayfly) larvae (CP); while 96-hour-LC50 for Rana temporaria tadpoles, Clarias gariepinus frys (CG1) and fingerlings (CG2) were determined using Probit method. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at p=0.05. Three earthworm species (Eudrilus euginiae, Dichogaster modigliani and Hyperiodrilus africanus) were identified at UI, streams and dumpsites. Highest density of Eudrilus euginiae (30.0±13.7/m2) was recorded at UI and this was significantly different from other sites, while lowest (6.4±2.2/m2) was recorded at Ojokondo. Highest densities of Hyperiodrilus africanus (32.7±14.6/m2) and Dichogaster modigliani (40.0±0.0/m2) were recorded at UI and Gbagi, respectively; while lowest value of 4.0±0.0/m2 was recorded at Irefin and Gege. Eudrilus euginiae and Dichogaster modigliani were not found at Gege and Idi-Ope, respectively, while Hyperiodrilus africanus was not found at Odinjo, Moniya and Olodo. Earthworm diversity (0.5) was highest in UI and lowest (0.3) at Gege. Earthworms were most evenly distributed at Odinjo (2.4) and least at Ojokondo (0.8). The DO (mg/L) for streams ranged from (0.4±0.4) to (2.6±0.6) and were lower than permissible limit for aquatic life. Lead (260.6±77.7mg/kg, 269.6±46.4mg/kg) and zinc (456.9±69.9mg/kg, 1685.1±420.3mg/kg) values in Gege and Ojokondo soils, respectively were significantly higher than NESREA limits. In all groundwater samples, BOD (46.7±21.0mg/L) and COD (154.0±7.0mg/L) exceeded NESREA limits. The 48-hour- LC50 of stream-water to CP (Irefin, 12.7%; Gege, 8.6%), and 96-hour-LC50 to CGI (Gege, 0.8%; Gbagi, 2.8%) and CG2 (Gege, 3.3%; Irefin, 0.6%) indicated high toxicity of the sites. The low earthworm abundance, poor physico-chemical qualities and high toxicity of the study sites revealed that the soil, streams and groundwater were polluted in Ibadan. Consequently, there is need for adequate management and disposal of solid- wastes to prevent further environmental contaminationItem CYTOGENETIC AND SYSTEMIC TOXICITY INDUCED BY SILVER AND COPPER(II) OXIDE NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR MIXTURE IN THE SOMATIC CELLS OF THREE EUKARYOTIC ORGANISMS(2019-06) OGUNSUYI, O.ISilver (Ag) and copper(II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticles are used in personal care products because of their antimicrobial properties. Their continual release into the environment may enhance genotoxic effects in the ecosystem, a condition widely reported from in vitro studies. However, in vivo, there is insufficient information on DNA and systemic damage, as well as the effect of the mixture of these nanoparticles in aquatic and terrestrial biota. This study was designed to investigate the genetic and systemic toxicity of Ag and CuO nanoparticles, singly and combined in somatic cells of three eukaryotic organisms and their mechanism of DNA damage. The selected eukaryotic organisms were onion (Allium cepa Linnaeus), mud catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell) and mice (Mus musculus Linnaeus). Cytogenotoxicity of Ag, CuO and their mixture (1:1) was investigated at different concentrations using the A. cepa chromosome aberration assay (0, 5-80 mg/L; n=64), micronucleus assessment in peripheral blood of juvenile catfish (0, 6.25-100 mg/L; n=80) and bone marrow of male mice (0, 18.75-300 mg/kg; n=64). Haematological parameters [haemoglobin concentration, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red Blood Cell (RBC) and White Blood Cell (WBC) counts] were assessed in catfish and mice. The histopathology of their liver and fish gill was done using standard protocols. Mechanism of DNA damage was investigated by analysing hepatic oxidative stress biomarkers [Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), reduced Glutathione and Malondialdehyde] in both catfish and mice. Interaction Factor (IF) of the mixture was calculated according to standard method. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05. In A. cepa, there was a concentration-dependent increase in the percentage frequency of dividing cells with Ag (1.3-1.6 fold); and decrease with CuO (1.1-16.8 fold) as well as mixture (1.5-2.7 fold). The frequency of aberrant chromosomes significantly increased only with Ag (3.3-8.7 fold) and mixture (1.5-4.6 fold) compared with control. Micronuclei induction with Ag, CuO and their mixture significantly increased in catfish (1.1-1.9, 1.4-2.2 and 1.6-2.9 fold), and mice (1.0-2.9, 1.1-4.8 and 1.5-3.1 fold), respectively. Haemoglobin concentration, PCV, RBC and WBC significantly decreased only in both nanoparticles and their mixture for catfish. Gill lamella hyperplasia and hepatocellular necrosis were observed in catfish and mice respectively. In catfish, there were significant alterations in SOD activities (1.1-2.2 fold increase with Ag and CuO; and 1.6-2.0 fold decrease with mixture). Alongside, reduced Glutathione and Malondialdehyde levels (1.1-1.8; and 1.1-2.4 fold increase with Ag and CuO, respectively; and 1.1-2.8 fold decrease with mixture) were altered. In mice, there were significant alterations in SOD activities (1.1-1.6 fold decrease with Ag and CuO; and 1.3-1.6 fold increase with mixture), Malondialdehyde (1.1-1.5 fold increase with Ag and mixture; and 1.1-2.0 fold decrease with CuO) and reduced Glutathione levels (1.1-1.2 fold increase with Ag and decrease with CuO). The IF showed that interaction between Ag and CuO was antagonistic for cytogenotoxicity and oxidative stress. Silver, copper(II) oxide and their mixture induced genomic disruption in the three organisms with systemic anomalies in Clarias gariepinus and Mus musculus. Oxidative stress in the exposed cells was responsible for the observed DNA damage.Item SUSCEPTIBILITY AND DIAGNOSTIC PROTEOMIC BIOMARKERS FOR URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS AND ASSOCIATED BLADDER PATHOLOGIES AMONG ADULTS IN EGGUA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA(2017-07) ONILE, S.OThe failure to elicit an adequate immune response to the adult Schistosoma haematobium worm, and continuous strong inflammatory responses to the eggs have been the main causes of bladder pathology in chronic schistosomiasis. The identification of bladder pathology-associated biomarkers is necessary to enable early detection of the disease in a non-invasive manner. The aim of this study was to identify candidate-biomarkers for susceptibility and diagnosis of schistosomiasis and schistosomiasis-associated bladder pathologies in adults. A total of 371 respondents, comprising 130 males and 241 females from Eggua, Ogun State were randomly recruited into a cross sectional study from August 2012 to May 2014. Semi-structured pretested questionnaires were administered to obtain information from consenting respondent. They were screened for S. haematobium ova and bladder pathologies by microscopy and ultrasonography, respectively. Host susceptibility to bladder pathologies and schistosomiasis was determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction genotyping of glutathione-S-transferase (GSTT1 and GSTM1) genes, and Interleukin (IL4 and IL13) genes, respectively. Label-free quantification mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach was used to identify protein biomarkers in the urine. Samples were categorised as Schistosomiasis, Bladder Pathology (BP), Pathology and Schistosomiasis (PS). No Pathology and Schistosomiasis (NPS) served as controls. Descriptive statistics, odds ratios (OR) and Chi-square test were used at α0.05 to determine association between schistosomiasis and bladder pathologies. False Discovery Rate (FDR) analysis was also used to determine significant biomarkers. The mean age of respondents was 48.6 ±0.6 years. The prevalence of schistosomiasis was in 42 (11.4 %) males and 66 (17.9 %) females. Majority (74.1%) had light mean intensity of infection (33.3±0.04 eggs/10mL urine). Bladder pathologies included abnormal bladder wall thickness (29.0%), abnormal bladder shape (7.1%), bladder masses (3.1%) and bladder calcification (2.2%). There was a significant association between urinary schistosomiasis and BP. Respondents with GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms expressed elevated risks of BP (OR = 4.3, 95% CI 2.0 - 9.2 and OR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.5 – 12.0, respectively); with the PS having more GST polymorphisms than BP. Polymorphisms in IL 4-590 and IL 13-1055 were observed in 24.1% and 9.3% schistosomiasis cases, respectively. The IL 13-1055 polymorphisms did not indicate susceptibility to schistosomiasis in males (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.3-2.1) but a slight risk was found in females (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.7-1.7). A total of 1306 proteins and 8752 unique peptides were observed (FDR = 0.01). Human host (54) and parasite-derived (36) potential biomarkers were found for schistosomiasis and associated pathologies. These included new potential biomarkers in schistosomiasis (Sialidase-1, Growth factor 15, Programmed cell death 1 ligand-2) and PS (Arylsulfatase A and Phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 4). Candidate proteins were identified for the generation of new diagnostic markers for chronic urinary schistosomiasis and its bladder pathologies.Item HOST GENETICS AND EXPOSURE IN SUSCEPTIBILITY TO SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTH INFECTIONS AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN IGBO-ORA, NIGERIA(2019-03) OLUWATOBA, O.AHOST GENETICS AND EXPOSURE IN SUSCEPTIBILITY TO SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTH INFECTIONS AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN IGBO-ORA, NIGERIAItem PREVALENCE AND INTENSITY OF NEMATODE PARASITES OF Poecilia reticulata PETERS (1859) IN FOUR WASTEWATER DRAINS OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA(2013-02) AKINWALE, M.M.APoecilia reticulata (guppy) a common ornamental tropical fish is found in many wastewater drains in Nigeria. Guppies feed on copepods which are intermediate hosts of some nematode parasites of culturable fish species. The restriction on the importation of ornamental fishes into Nigeria has enhanced the demand for local species, usually sourced from the wild. There is dearth of information on the parasites of ornamental fishes in Nigeria. This study was aimed at determining prevalence and mean intensity of the nematode parasites of P. reticulata from four waste water drains in Lagos State.Item GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS ASSOCIATED WITH HYPERTENSION IN THE ETHNIC POPULATIONS OF CALABAR AND UYO, NIGERIA(2012-08) KOOFFREH, M.EHypertension is a public health challenge due to its high prevalence, and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension is a complex disease resulting from an interaction of genes and environmental factors. Inconsistent association between polymorphisms of the renin angiotensin aldosterone, the atrial natriuretic peptide systems and hypertension has been reported among various ethnic groups, but not for the Efiks and Ibibios in south-south Nigeria. This study was designed to determine the frequency of gene polymorphisms of these two systems and their association with hypertension in Calabar and Uyo, Nigeria. A population-based case control design was used. A total of 1224 participants, 612 each of patients and controls were randomly recruited from hypertension clinics and the general population. Genotyping of the M235T allele of the angiotensinogen, Insertion/Deletion allele (I/D) of the angiotensinogen converting enzyme, A1166C allele of the angiotensin II type I receptor and C664G allele of the atrial natriuretic peptide genes to identify variants was performed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion. The Hardy-Weinberg equation was used to calculate the allele and genotype frequencies. Plasma angiotensinogen levels were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Hypertensinogenic factors such as age, familial history, physical exercise and drinking were assessed using questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, multiple regression analysis and odds ratio were used to analyze the data. The frequency of the genotypes M235M, M235T, T235T of the M235T allele for the Efiks were 0.4, 7.7, 92 % in patients and 0, 6, 94 % in controls; for the Ibibios were 0.5, 1.2, 87 % in patients and 0, 7, 93 % in controls. The I/D genotypes II, ID, DD frequencies for the Efiks were 11, 44, 46 % in patients and 16, 45, 39 % in controls; for the Ibibios were 11, 40, 49 % in patients and 13, 49, 38 % in controls. The frequency of the A1166C carriers was 1 % while 99 % of the study population had the wild type A1166A genotype for the A1166C allele. Only the CC genotype was observed for the C664G allele. These frequencies did not conform to the Hardy-Weinberg assumptions. There were no significant differences between the genotype frequencies of patients and controls. Plasma angiotensinogen values were significantly higher in the patients with M235T allele than in the controls. Age was a positive predictor for systolic blood pressure (SBP, r = 0.60) in patients and diastolic blood pressure (DBP, r = 0.56) in controls. Other hypertensinogenic variables were not predictors for SBP and DBP in the population (p < 0.05). The Insertion/Deletion allele was a risk factor for hypertension, (O.R = 1.15). A high frequency was observed for the M235T allele and the Insertion/Deletion allele, which was associated with an increased risk for hypertension. The lack of association between the alleles of the M235T, A1166C and the C664G and hypertension suggests that other loci or environmental factors are involved in the disease outcome.