Department of Biochemistry

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    8 - Mitochondrial toxicity of aflatoxin B1
    (ScienceDirect, 2023) Rotimi, Oluwakemi Anuoluwapo; Adelani, Isaacson B.; De Campos, Opeyemi C.; Olawole, Tolulope D.; Rotimi, Solomon O.
    This chapter discusses the toxicity of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on mitochondrial function. It starts with an overview of aflatoxins: what they are, where they are found, and the types that exist. The introduction also describes the routes of AFB1 exposure, biotransformation, metabolism, and excretion. Thereafter, the chapter explains the major toxic effects of AFB1 on the mitochondria. First, it discusses how AFB1 disrupts the levels of lipids, particularly cholesterol and phospholipids, which are the major lipid component of the mitochondrial membrane. The changes in the lipids can affect the mitochondrial membrane carriers, thereby affecting membrane transport. Second, it discusses how AFB1 affects the mitochondria membrane potential and permeability. Specifically, AFB1 reduces mitochondrial membrane potential and promotes mitochondrial permeability transition. Third, it discusses how AFB1 induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in mitochondria leading to mitochondrial damage. Lastly, it examines the effects of AFB1 on enzymes of the electron transport chain.
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    Chapter Nine - Early-life AFB1 exposure: DNA methylation and hormone alterations
    (ScienceDirect, 2023) Rotimi, Oluwakemi Anuoluwapo; De Campos, Opeyemi C.; Adelani, Isaacson B.; Olawole, Tolulope D.; Rotimi, Solomon O.
    Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites of mold that contaminate food and feedstuff. They are found in various food including grains, nuts, milk and eggs. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most poisonous and commonly found of the various types of aflatoxins. Exposures to AFB1 start early in life viz. in utero, during breastfeeding, and during weaning through the waning foods which are mainly grain based. Several studies have shown that early-life exposures to various contaminants may have various biological effects. In this chapter, we reviewed the effects of early-life AFB1 exposures on changes in hormone and DNA methylation. In utero AFB1 exposure results in alterations in steroid and growth hormones. Specifically, the exposure results in a reduction in testosterone levels later in life. The exposure also affects the methylation of various genes that are significant in growth, immune, inflammation, and signaling pathways.
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    The impact of Bisphenol-A on human reproductive health
    (Elsevier Inc., 2024) Rotimi, Oluwakemi Anuoluwapo; Salami, Esther A.
    Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a recognized endocrine-disrupting chemical used to produce several consumer goods and products. There has been widespread exposure to BPA because of increased industrial production and use of BPA containing products. As a result of these exposures, BPA is found in several human body fluids and can cause endocrine disruption by interfering with hormone signaling pathways and epigenetic modifications. Therefore, human reproductive health and development have been adversely affected by BPA. This review aimed to consolidate existing knowledge on the impact of BPA on human reproductive health, examining its effects on both males and females. To achieve this, we systematically searched four databases for studies that associated BPA with reproductive health (male and female), after which we retrieved the important information from the selected articles. There was an association of reproductive health diseases with high BPA exposure. In males, BPA was associated with increased sperm alterations, altered reproductive hormone levels, and testicular atrophy. In females, there was an association of BPA exposure with hormonal imbalances, reduced ovarian reserve, and increased likelihood of conditions such as fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and infertility. BPA’s pervasive presence and its harmful effects on reproductive health underscore the need for global regulation and public awareness. Although substantial evidence from animal and in vitro studies supports the detrimental effects of BPA, there is a need for more human-focused research, particularly in developing coun tries, to confirm these findings. This review advocates for increased regulatory measures to limit BPA exposure.
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    Disparities in Allostatic Load Among Different Races: A Comprehensive Scoping Review
    (Springer, 2025) Rotimi, Oluwakemi Anuoluwapo; Olowokere, Olanike Gloria; Olasehinde, Olutola Esther; Bisi‑Adeniyi, Titilayo Ifeoluwa; Onyia, Abimbola Fatima; De Campos, Opeyemi Christiana; Rotimi, Solomon Oladapo
    Background Allostatic load measures the cumulative stress, and it varies across populations. Its accurate measurement among racial groups is essential for understanding the effects of chronic stress on health. This review is aimed at investigat ing disparities in allostatic load between races and exploring the underlying mechanisms driving these disparities. Methods A systematic search of literature was conducted, resulting in the inclusion of 296 relevant studies. These studies investigated a wide range of allostatic load biomarkers from the cardiovascular, metabolic, neuroendocrine, and immune systems. They involved diverse racial and ethnic populations with variations in age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), and stress exposure. Results The review revealed disparities in allostatic load biomarkers across different population groups. The extensive examination of a wide range of biomarkers in the selected studies showed systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate/pulse rate, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index, total cholesterol (TC), C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 (IL-6)/IL-6 receptor as the most frequently used biomarkers across populations. Socioeconomic status, age, racial discrimination, stressful life events, and adverse health outcomes were associated with allostatic load across different racial groups. Conclusion Disparities exist in previous studies on allostatic load due to differences in biomarker inclusion, calculation methods, study types, and populations studied. In addition, the roles of factors like social determinants of health, discrimi nation, and constitutive factors like genetics and age were discussed.
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    Anti-Aging Potential of Bioactive Phytoconstituents Found in Edible Medicinal Plants: A Review
    (MDPI, 2024-06) Iweala, Emeka J.; Adurosakin, Oluwapelumi Eniola; Innocent, Ugochukwu; Omonhinmin, Conrad A.; Dania, Omoremime Elizabeth; Ugbogu, Eziuche A.
    Aging is a complex biological and physiological change that leads to a loss of function in all living organisms. Although the mechanism behind the aging process is still largely unknown, scientific studies have shown that oxidative stress and age-related low autophagy, which are associated with various chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases, promote aging. Interestingly, many medicinal plants and their biologically active compounds have the ability to extend lifespan as they can inhibit oxidative stress and promote autophagy. This review evaluates and provides up-to-date information on the anti-aging potential of bioactive compounds in edible medicinal plants. In this study, seventeen (17) biologically active compounds from edible medicinal plants with anti-aging effects were reviewed. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that these biologically active compounds exhibit anti-aging effects via various mechanisms such as the activation of autophagy, increases in antioxidant enzymes, reductions in reactive oxygen species, the inhibition of inflammatory markers, and the downregulation of senescence genes. This study suggests that edible medicinal plants containing these bioactive compounds may promote health and extend lifespan. However, the exact mechanisms, effective doses, clinical trials, and chronic and genotoxic effects of bioactive compounds as anti-aging agents should be further investigated.
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    GC–MS analysis of locally processed palm kernel oil and its mild ameliorative effects on carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in rats
    (Comparative Clinical Pathology, 2025-11) Ugbogu, Eziuche A.; Iweala, Emeka J.; Jessie‑Green, Gina; Amuji, Doris Nnenna; Nwankwo, Nnamdi; Okoro, Benedict Chukwuebuka; Dania, Omoremime Elizabeth
    This study investigated the phytochemical composition of locally processed palm kernel oil (LPPKO) and its ameliorative effect on carbon tetrachloride ( CCl4) toxicity in albino Wistar rats. Phytochemical composition was analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). For acute toxicity, a single oral dose of up to 5000 mg/kg LPPKO was administered. On day 1, groups 2–5 experimental rats received a single dose of 1 mL/kg CCl4 diluted 1:1 in olive oil. Thirty minutes after CCl4 administration, rats in groups 3, 4, and 5 received LPPKO orally at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 14 days. GC–MS analysis identified nine bioactive compounds with pharmacological properties, including 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z) and β-sitosterol. The acute toxicity assessment revealed no detectable signs of toxicity or mortality. The results showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in high-density lipoproteins, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) and a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, total cholesterol, platelets, chloride, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the LPPKO-treated groups compared to the CCl4- induced untreated groups (negative control) in both male and female rats. LPPKO treatment has a positive effect on CCl4- induced toxicity in rats by decreasing ALT, AST, ALP, and MDA and increasing SOD, GSH, and CAT. This study shows that LPPKO has the potential to mildly reduce the toxic effect of CCl4 on the liver of Wistar rats.
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    Overview of the human genome
    (Translational and Applied Genomics, 2025) Oyelade, Jelili; Isewon, Itunuoluwa; Ogunlana, Olubanke; worunse, Oluwadurotimi A; Oyesola, Olusola; Aromolaran, Olufemi; Dokumu, Titilope; \uwagun, Ibitayo Adem; Iheagwam, Franklyn; Babatunde, Eunice; Dania, Omoremime Elizabeth; Obembe, Olawole
    The human genome is composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) organized into 23 pairs of chromosomes in the nucleus of human cells, as well as the small DNA found inside individual mitochondria. Complete sequencing of the 3 billion base pairs that make up the human genome has made available a deluge of information that has enhanced our understanding of evolution, physiology, causality of disease, and association between heredity and environment in humans. This chapter discusses discoveries in genetics that spawned the field of human genomics. It further highlights the role of human genome in disease susceptibility, as well as its prospects for the future of healthcare.
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    Corrigendum to “Phytochemical composition, acute and subacute toxicity profile of Persea amaricana seed oil in albino Wistar rats” [Toxicol. Rep. 14 (2025) 101982]
    (Toxicology Reports (Elsevier), 2025) Iweala, Emeka J.; Okore, Finian Uchenna; Okoro, Benedict Chukwuebuka; Dania, Omoremime Elizabeth; Amuji, Doris Nnenna; Ugbogu, Eziuche A.
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    Lipid peroxidation and activity of some antioxidative enzymes in the root of maize (Zea mays) cultivated on cadmium contamination soil
    (Journal / Scientia Africana / Vol. 20, 2021-04-23) Ugbeni, O.C.; Dania, Omoremime Elizabeth; Eruotor, H.
    In this study, we examined the tolerance capacity of Zea mays to cadmium pollution. Soil was treated with varied concentrations of Cadmium; 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg/kg soil and Zea mays planted. Root samples were collected in weeks 3, 4, 5 and 6. Activities of Peroxidase, catalase superoxide dismutase, and lipid peroxidation were investigated. Decrease in peroxidase activity was extremely significant (p <0.05) in weeks 4 and 5 while that of week 6 was not significantly (p > 0.05) different from normal. The decrease correlated with increase in Cadmium concentration. However, at the highest concentration of 30 mg/kg of soil the trend was not significant. Increase in the activity of catalase was recorded in weeks 3 and 6. This increase didn’t follow a particular trend but at higher concentration of Cd and long term exposure, it became apparent. There was a negative correlation between catalase activity and lipid peroxidation. In week 3, catalase activity was not significant (p > 0.05) and lipid peroxidation was significant (p < 0.05) while at week 4, catalase activity was significant (p < 0.05) and lipid peroxidation was not significant (p = 0.8432). Catalase activity was not significant (p = 0.2753) at week 5 and lipid peroxidation was significant (p = 0.0030). At week 6 when catalase activity became extremely significant (p < 0.05), lipid peroxidation had a p value of 0.0128. Generally no significant activity (p > 0.05) was observed for superoxide dismutase. A significant increase in absorption of cadmium (p = 0.0374) at 30mg/kg soil was observed between weeks 5 and 6. It was also observed that cadmium had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the root weight during the period of study. It’s suggestive therefore Cadmium contamination of soil could affect growth of maize and induce oxidative stress.
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    Bioactive Phytoconstituents and Their Therapeutic Potentials in the Treatment of Haematological Cancers: A Review
    (MDPI, 2023-02) Iweala, Emeka J.; Oluwapelum, Adurosakin E.; Dania, Omoremime Elizabeth; Ugbogu, Eziuche A.
    Haematological (blood) cancers are the cancers of the blood and lymphoid forming tissues which represents approximately 10% of all cancers. It has been reported that approximately 60% of all blood cancers are incurable. Despite substantial improvement in access to detection/diagnosis, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation, there is still high recurrence and unpredictable but clearly defined relapses indicating that effective therapies are still lacking. Over the past two decades, medicinal plants and their biologically active compounds are being used as potential remedies and alternative therapies for the treatment of cancer. This is due to their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, anti-angiogenic, anti-cancer activities and negligible side effects. These bioactive compounds have the capacity to reduce proliferation of haematological cancers via various mechanisms such as promoting apoptosis, transcription regulation, inhibition of signalling pathways, downregulating receptors and blocking cell cycle. This review study highlights the mechanistic and beneficial effects of nine bioactive compounds (quercetin, ursolic acid, fisetin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, curcumin, gambogic acid, butein and celastrol) as potential remedies for chemoprevention of haematological cancers. The study provides useful insights on the effectiveness of the use of bioactive compounds from plants for chemoprevention of haematological cancers.