International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 15, No. 9, September 2025 | pp. 65–72

DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJMMS/150065

Original Research Article

Hypoglycemic and Antilipidemic Effects of Tetrapleura tetraptera Methanolic Fruit Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Mustapha T. Gidado¹, Rose C. Obi², Elizabeth W. Wanjiku¹*

¹Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.

²Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract:

Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus precipitates secondary atherogenic dyslipidemia, accelerating systemic macrovascular changes. This animal study investigated the hypoglycemic and antilipidemic profiles of a crude methanolic fruit extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (METT) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Hyperglycemia was induced via a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg). Thirty-five rats were divided into 5 groups: Normal Control, Diabetic Control, Metformin reference control (150 mg/kg), and two diabetic groups treated orally with METT at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight daily for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were monitored weekly, and serum lipid fractions were quantified at study completion. Oral administration of 400 mg/kg METT for 21 days resulted in a significant reduction in mean FBG from 17.52 ± 1.24 mmol/L to 6.12 ± 0.48 mmol/L (p < 0.01), showing comparable efficacy to the metformin group (5.74 ± 0.35 mmol/L). Furthermore, METT treatment significantly corrected diabetic dyslipidemia, lowering serum Total Cholesterol (from 4.65 ± 0.38 mmol/L to 2.74 ± 0.18 mmol/L, p < 0.01), Triglycerides (from 2.24 ± 0.15 mmol/L to 1.18 ± 0.11 mmol/L, p < 0.01), and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), while significantly increasing High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations (p < 0.05). Tissue analysis showed that METT lowered pancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and restored endogenous catalase activity (p < 0.01). Tetrapleura tetraptera fruits possess potent antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties, confirming their ethnobotanical usage for managing metabolic disorders.

Keywords: Tetrapleura tetraptera, Diabetes Mellitus, Streptozotocin, Hypoglycemic, Dyslipidemia, Pancreatic Islets

Manuscript Timeline: Received: June 15, 2025; Revised: July 22, 2025; Accepted: August 14, 2025; Published: September 16, 2025.

Citation: Gidado MT, Obi RC, Wanjiku EW. Hypoglycemic and Antilipidemic Effects of Tetrapleura tetraptera Methanolic Fruit Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2025, 15(9): 65–72. DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJMMS/150065

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 15, No. 8, August 2025 | pp. 57–64

DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJMMS/150057

Original Research Article

Cardioprotective and Antiapoptotic Actions of Galanthamine hydrobromide against Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Wistar Rats

Amina R. Abubakar¹, George K. Mwangi², Thomas O. Adeyemi¹*

¹Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.

²Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.

Abstract:

Myocardial injury driven by acute catecholamine toxicity induces severe intracellular oxidative collapse and localized cell apoptosis. This experimental animal study examined the cardioprotective and antiapoptotic potential of Galanthamine hydrobromide (GHB) against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in male Wistar rats. Thirty adult rats were randomly assigned to five equal groups: Normal Control, ISO-alone (85 mg/kg, subcutaneously on days 27 and 28), GHB-alone (5 mg/kg, orally for 28 days), and two treatment groups receiving GHB (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) orally for 28 consecutive days prior to ISO induction. Cardiac functional preservation was evaluated via diagnostic enzyme levels, tissue lipid peroxidation indicators, and histopathology. Subcutaneous induction with ISO caused severe cardiac damage, indicated by significant elevations in serum Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB) (88.4 ± 6.5 U/L vs. 29.2 ± 3.1 U/L in controls, p < 0.01) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) (224.8 ± 15.6 U/L vs. 94.2 ± 8.2 U/L, p < 0.01). ISO also significantly increased tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reduced myocardial superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities (p < 0.01). Pre-treatment with GHB (especially at 5 mg/kg) significantly protected against these injuries, maintaining CK-MB at 38.2 ± 4.2 U/L and LDH at 115.4 ± 9.1 U/L (p < 0.01 vs. ISO group). GHB lowered lipid peroxidation and preserved endogenous antioxidant defenses. Histopathology confirmed these findings, showing a preservation of myofibrillar architecture and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Galanthamine hydrobromide offers substantial protection against isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury by suppressing oxidative stress and maintaining membrane integrity.

Keywords: Galanthamine hydrobromide, Myocardial Infarction, Isoproterenol, Antioxidant Enzymes, Lipid Peroxidation, Cardioprotection

Manuscript Timeline: Received: May 12, 2025; Revised: June 20, 2025; Accepted: July 11, 2025; Published: August 14, 2025.

Citation: Abubakar AR, Mwangi GK, Adeyemi TO. Cardioprotective and Antiapoptotic Actions of Galanthamine hydrobromide against Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Wistar Rats. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2025, 15(8): 57–64. DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJMMS/150057

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 15, No. 7, July 2025 | pp. 49–56

DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJMMS/150049

Original Research Article

Seroprevalence, Molecular Genotypes, and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Commercial Intravenous Drug Users

Patrick O. Diallo¹, Cynthia U. Nwachukwu², Jean-Pierre B. Diop¹*

¹Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal.

²Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.

Abstract:

Intravenous drug users (IDUs) face high risks for blood-borne viral infections due to needle-sharing practices, driving community transmissions. This cross-sectional epidemiological study investigated the seroprevalence, specific sub-genotypic distributions, and risk factors of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection among commercial intravenous drug users in urban settings. Blood samples from 350 IDUs were screened for Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) using a third-generation Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and positive samples were analyzed via real-time PCR for genotypic characterization. Structured questionnaires captured demographic data and injection risk behaviors. The overall seroprevalence of HBsAg in this cohort was 18.3% (64/350). Active HBV replication (HBV DNA positivity) was confirmed in 78.1% (50/64) of the seropositive individuals. Genotypic mapping revealed that genotype E predominated at 68.0% (34/50), followed by genotype A at 22.0% (11/50) and genotype D at 10.0% (5/50). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified several independent risk factors associated with HBV seropositivity: a history of sharing needles or syringes (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.9–7.6, p < 0.001), a duration of intravenous drug use > 3 years (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.4–5.9, p < 0.01), and a concurrent history of commercial sex work (OR = 2.4, p < 0.05). HBV genotype E infection is common among intravenous drug users, reflecting a high burden of behavioral risk factors. Expanding targeted community harm-reduction programs, implementing needle-exchange initiatives, and providing free HBV vaccination campaigns are critical interventions.

Keywords: Hepatitis B Virus, Intravenous Drug Users, Seroprevalence, Genotype E, Needle-Sharing, Harm Reduction

Manuscript Timeline: Received: April 10, 2025; Revised: May 18, 2025; Accepted: June 12, 2025; Published: July 15, 2025.

Citation: Diallo PO, Nwachukwu CU, Diop JPB. Seroprevalence, Molecular Genotypes, and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Commercial Intravenous Drug Users. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2025, 15(7): 49–56. DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJMMS/150049

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 15, No. 6, June 2025 | pp. 41–48

DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJMMS/150041

Original Research Article

Diagnostic Accuracy of Serum Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin versus Serum Creatinine for Early Identification of Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

Charles O. Igwe¹, Rachel L. Sanon², Anthony D. Boateng¹*

¹Department of Oncology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria.

²Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Université de Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Abstract:

The clinical utility of the chemotherapy drug cisplatin is limited by dose-dependent nephrotoxicity, which often goes undetected by slow rises in traditional serum creatinine. This prospective cohort study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (sNGAL) for early identification of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). We evaluated 130 adult cancer patients with normal baseline renal function who were scheduled to receive high-dose cisplatin therapy (≥ 70 mg/m²). Serum NGAL was measured via chemiluminescent immunoassay at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 hours post-infusion, while serum creatinine was monitored daily for 7 days. AKI was defined according to the KDIGO serum creatinine criteria. Twenty-eight patients developed confirmed AKI (21.5%) within 72 hours. In the AKI group, sNGAL levels rose significantly from a baseline of 78.5 ± 12.4 ng/mL to 184.2 ± 24.6 ng/mL at 12 hours post-cisplatin infusion (p < 0.01), whereas serum creatinine variations were non-significant at this time point. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that 12-hour sNGAL at a cutoff value of 135 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 89.3%, a specificity of 84.3%, and an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.91 (95% CI = 0.84–0.96). In contrast, 24-hour serum creatinine achieved an AUC of only 0.64. Serum NGAL serves as a sensitive and precise early diagnostic biomarker for cisplatin-induced tubular injury, allowing for early optimization of hydration protocols and potential chemotherapy dosage adjustments before structural renal function declines.

Keywords: Cisplatin, Nephrotoxicity, Acute Kidney Injury, Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin, Biomarkers, Chemotherapy

Manuscript Timeline: Received: March 14, 2025; Revised: April 22, 2025; Accepted: May 15, 2025; Published: June 16, 2025.

Citation: Igwe CO, Sanon RL, Boateng AD. Diagnostic Accuracy of Serum Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin versus Serum Creatinine for Early Identification of Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2025, 15(6): 41–48. DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJMMS/150041

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 15, No. 5, May 2025 | pp. 33–40

DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJMMS/150033

Original Research Article

Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Mapping in Patients with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media

Elizabeth A. Cole¹, Moses Z. Tarawallie², Victoria N. Okoye¹*

¹Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

²Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Connaught Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Abstract:

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a major cause of preventable hearing loss in developing areas, with treatment increasingly complicated by the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. This prospective cross-sectional study identified the predominant bacterial pathogens and mapped their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles among patients presenting with symptomatic CSOM. Ear swabs collected from 200 patients presenting with persistent purulent ear discharge for > 12 weeks were cultured. Bacterial confirmation was achieved using standard automated methods, and susceptibility profiles were assessed using the disk diffusion technique. Significant bacterial growth was confirmed in 84.5% (169/200) of the participants. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common isolate (38.5%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (28.4%), Proteus mirabilis (14.2%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.1%). Antibiogram mapping revealed high resistance rates among Gram-negative isolates to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (84.4%) and cefuroxime (76.6%). Resistance to ciprofloxacin—the standard agent in topical ear drops—was detected in 24.6% of the P. aeruginosa isolates. Conversely, high susceptibility rates were observed for amikacin (91.5%) and piperacillin-tazobactam (88.7%). Methicillin resistance was confirmed in 29.2% of the S. aureus strains. Logistic regression showed that a history of topical antibiotic overuse within the past 6 months was strongly associated with a ciprofloxacin-resistant strain (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.5–6.8, p < 0.01). Bacterial pathogens causing CSOM exhibit high resistance to common oral and topical antibiotics, highlighting the importance of guiding therapies by ear culture results rather than empirical protocols to avoid systemic complications.

Keywords: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Antimicrobial Resistance, Ciprofloxacin Resistance, Hearing Loss

Manuscript Timeline: Received: February 02, 2025; Revised: March 11, 2025; Accepted: April 05, 2025; Published: May 14, 2025.

Citation: Cole EA, Tarawallie MZ, Okoye VN. Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Mapping in Patients with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2025, 15(5): 33–40. DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJMMS/150033

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 15, No. 4, April 2025 | pp. 25–32

DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJMMS/150025

Original Research Article

Evaluation of Lung Function Indices and Respiratory Symptoms among Commercial Fertilizer Chemical Factory Workers

Festus M. Tetteh¹, Kingsley C. Amadi², Arthur J. Bond¹*

¹Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

²Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.

Abstract:

Chronic occupational exposure to chemical fertilizer dust and volatile ammonia vapors causes progressive airway hyper-responsiveness and chronic pulmonary tissue inflammation. This cross-sectional analytical study evaluated the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and chronic lung function alterations among commercial fertilizer factory workers. We matched 150 male factory workers exposed to chemical dust for at least 2 years with 150 unexposed healthy male control subjects based on age, height, and body mass index. Symptom profiles were captured using a standardized respiratory questionnaire, and pulmonary functional metrics were measured via computerized spirometry. Fertilizer workers demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of chronic dry cough (41.3% vs. 10.7%, p < 0.01), morning chest tightness (31.3% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.01), and exertional dyspnea (33.3% vs. 8.0%, p < 0.01) compared to the unexposed control group. Spirometric evaluation showed significant reductions in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (3.18 ± 0.42 L vs. 3.88 ± 0.38 L, p < 0.01) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) (2.24 ± 0.35 L vs. 3.21 ± 0.28 L, p < 0.01) in the exposed cohort. The FEV1/FVC ratio was also significantly lower in fertilizer workers (70.44 ± 5.1% vs. 82.73 ± 3.2%, p < 0.05), indicating a mixed pattern of ventilatory obstruction and restriction. Occupational exposure to chemical fertilizer dust impairs pulmonary indices and increases respiratory symptoms, emphasizing the need for dust extraction systems, regular medical screenings, and the mandatory use of protective respiratory masks.

Keywords: Chemical Fertilizer Dust, Occupational Health, Spirometry, Forced Vital Capacity, Airway Obstruction, Respiratory Symptoms

Manuscript Timeline: Received: January 10, 2025; Revised: February 18, 2025; Accepted: March 12, 2025; Published: April 15, 2025.

Citation: Tetteh FM, Amadi KC, Bond AJ. Evaluation of Lung Function Indices and Respiratory Symptoms among Commercial Fertilizer Chemical Factory Workers. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2025, 15(4): 25–32. DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJMMS/150025