Department of Biological Sciences

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A possible role of urinary genotoxic Escherichia coli in prostate cancer in Nigerian patients
(BMC Research Notes, 2025) Akinpelu, Sharon O.; Olasehinde, Grace I.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.
Objective Infection and inflammation are potential initiating factors for the development and progression of prostate cancer. This study investigated the presence of bacterial genotoxins; colibactin (clb) and cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) in Escherichia coli isolated from urine samples of individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer as well as those with benign prostatic hyperplasia. E. coli was isolated from urine samples from prostate cancer patients (cases, n = 30) and men with benign prostate hyperplasia (controls, n = 40). The presence of colibactin (clb) and cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) genes was evaluated in E. coli isolates using polymerase chain reaction. Results The frequency of E. coli was 36.0% of prostate cancer patients and 30.0% of controls, respectively (p = 0.557). Furthermore, there was a higher occurrence of the clb gene in cases compared to controls (36.4% vs. 8.3%). Cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) gene was absent in all isolates examined. The analysis revealed no significant relationship between the selected genotoxins and prostate cancer (p = 0.104). The Gleason grade of the cancer was not a major determinant in the occurrence of clb within the cancer cases. The present study is the first report investigating bacterial genotoxins in urine samples of Nigerian prostate cancer patients. Our findings showed no association between bacterial genotoxins and prostate cancer. Additional investigations are warranted to further investigate the role of bacterial genotoxins in prostate cancer development.
Adaptive Responses and Evolutionary Implications
(2026) Isibor, Patrick Omoregie; Efuwape, Temitope Oluseun
For aquatic organisms residing in contaminated habitats, adaptation becomes essential since it represents their key to survival and maintaining their presence. Long-term evolutionary modifications through genetic changes join behavioral changes and biochemical regulations as well as short-term physiological acclimation to form adaptive responses in aquatic organisms. The mechanisms through which organisms defend against pollutant stress involve higher expression levels of detoxification enzymes together with increased antioxidant protection and modified reproductive procedures. Persistent pollution in populations creates selection pressure that results in the development of new tolerant phenotypes alongside different genotypic and phenotypic traits. The physiological changes that help organisms survive environmentally toxic areas potentially reduce their performance levels in non-polluted zones as well as deteriorate their relationships within food chains and potentially lower their capacity for genetic diversity. Ecosystem structure together with resilience and function face significant consequences as a result of evolutionary processes. The accurate prediction of long-term ecosystem responses requires knowledge of adaptive responses together with evolutionary modifications to perform proper environmental risk assessment under changing global conditions.
Advancing Food Sustainability in Nigeria: Biotechnological Strategies amidst Climate Change Challenges
(Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research, 2025, Vol 9, Issue 4, p1654, 2025-04) Obembe, Olawole O.; Obadire, Tobi T.;; Tawari, Princess P.-M. P.
The effects of climate change are not just a looming threat but a present reality already being felt worldwide. One of the most visible and alarming impacts is the disruption of our food systems, caused by rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events. These disruptions are leading to lower crop yields, food shortages, and higher prices, raising the spectre of a global food crisis that threatens the security of all nations. This study explores biotechnology's role in mitigating climate change and advancing sustainable agriculture in Nigeria. This work highlights how these approaches can significantly increase agricultural production, enhance food security, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by leveraging innovative biotechnological techniques such as genetic engineering, biogas, biochar, bioremediation, and precision agriculture. For instance, genetic engineering improves crop resilience to environmental stresses, biochar enhances soil fertility while sequestering carbon, and biogas provides sustainable energy solutions. The findings emphasize the transformative potential of biotechnology despite challenges such as safety concerns and limited skilled personnel in Nigeria. By adopting these innovative techniques, Nigeria can enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and actively contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.
Advancing the One Health Paradigm Through Integrated Biomonitoring
(Tailor and Francis, 2026) Akinsanya, Bamidele; Isibor, Patrick Omoregie
People, animals, and the environment are part of the One Health paradigm, which adds how humans and other animals interact with one another and their environment, thereby providing a holistic model for understanding the challenges posed by anthropogenic pressures and ecological changes. Biomonitoring – the systematic observation of biological response to environmental stressors – becomes a vital instrument in operationalizing the One Health concept, especially in the identification of early indicators of ecological damage and exposure to contaminants. This chapter looks at how integrated biomonitoring frameworks can create disciplinary boundaries and improve environmental surveillance and information on holistic risk assessments. By using bioindicators from across trophic levels as well as sentinel species in terrestrial and aquatic systems, biomonitoring offers a strong determination of contaminant mechanisms, ecosystem health, and zoonotic disease threats. The chapter discusses recent methodological progress, such as molecular biomarkers, integration of remote sensing, and community-based participatory monitoring, all of which enhance the predictive capability and spatial extent of biomonitoring networks. Case studies demonstrate how integrated biomonitoring has guided One Health interventions in areas including the following: antimicrobial resistance, pesticide exposure, and climate sensitive vector-borne diseases. The chapter also discusses issues concerning data harmonization, ethical governance and crosssectoral partnerships. In the long term, the advancement of the One Health agenda needs stretching biomonitoring into the policy frameworks, public health approaches, and ecosystem management to build resilience through timely evidence-informed decision-making at the human–animal–environment interface.
Agricultural Applications of Novel Mushroom-Based Nanopesticide
(WILEY Online Library, 2025-03) Isibor, Patrick Omoregie; Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Buba, Adamu Binta; Alhassan, Alhassan Muhammad; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun
Nanobiopesticides derived from mushrooms offer a novel approach to tackling agricultural pests and diseases. These nanoparticles utilize bioactive compounds found in mushrooms to provide targeted pest and pathogen control. Their unique properties enhance penetration, allowing precise delivery to pests and pathogens while minimizing non-target effects. This technology reduces environmental impact and toxicity concerns associated with conventional pesticides. Synthesis methods involve green techniques, aligning with sustainable practices. Challenges include variability in effectiveness and regulatory considerations. Nevertheless, the potential benefits are vast, from effective pest management and disease suppression to improved crop yields and ecosystem health. Nanobiopesticides showcase the synergy of nature and technology, aimed at reshaping agricultural practices toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. This paper outlines the relevant literary discourse surrounding these concepts while emphasizing the significance of addressing agricultural challenges related to pests and diseases with this novel approach.
Anaerobic biodegradation and activities of methanogens, acetogens, sulphate and nitrate reducing bacteria in aged oil wells from low sulphate oil producing environment
(Biodegradation, 2026) Okoro, Chuma; Ekeng, Effanga; Ohwo, Sylvester; Nwinyi, Obinna Chukwuemeka
Analysis of microbial communities associated with corrosion in low Sulphate/saline oil bearing environment
(Science of The Total Environment Volume 986, 2025-07-15) Okoro, Chuma; Ekeng, Effanga; Nwinyi, Obinna Chukwuemeka; Ohanu, Ursula Chidinma; Ali, Margaret; Ohwo, Sylvester
ANALYSIS OF PHYTATE CONTENT VARIABILITY AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERISATION OF GENES IN COWPEA LANDRACES
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) OMODIAGBE, David Eromosele; Covenant University Dissertation
Phytate is a naturally occurring phosphorus-storage compound in seeds, but it reduces the bioavailability of iron, zinc, and calcium in human diets. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp), an essential dietary protein source widely consumed in Nigeria, contains notable phytate levels, which may hinder micronutrient absorption with regular consumption. This study investigated phytate content in Nigerian cowpea accessions and explored candidate genes involved in its biosynthesis to guide future efforts for nutritional improvement. Thirty (30) cowpea landraces were obtained from the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB). Phytate concentration was quantified using acid digestion followed by filtration and titration. To explore the genetic basis of phytate accumulation, protein sequences of known phytate biosynthetic genes from Arabidopsis thaliana, Glycine max, and Phaseolus vulgaris were retrieved from Phytozome 14.0. These sequences were used for BLASTp searches to identify putative homologues in cowpea. Homologous cowpea sequences were aligned and subjected to phylogenetic analysis using the Neighbour-Joining method in MEGA v12.0.11 with 10,000 bootstrap replicates to assess evolutionary relationships. The results showed significant variation in phytate content, 3.96‒30.94mg/g (p < 0.001) across cowpea accessions. The cowpea sequences displayed strong homology to known phytate biosynthetic enzymes in seed, MIPS (Myo-inositol-3-phosphate synthase), ITPK (Inositol 1,3,4-triphosphate 5/6-kinase), IPK2 (Inositol 1,4,5-tris-phosphate kinase), MRP (Multidrug-resistance-associated protein ATP-binding cassette), IMP (Inositol monophosphate phosphatase), MIK (Myo-inositol kinase), and IPK1 (Inositol 1,3,4,5,6 pentakisphosphate 2-kinase), with low E-values and high identity percentages. Phylogenetic clustering of cowpea sequences alongside those from related legumes suggests potential functional conservation, although expression-level validation is necessary. Quantitative gene expression profiling to further clarify the roles of these genes in phytate biosynthesis and accumulation is needed. These identified genes could be prioritised for reverse genetics or transcriptomic studies, provided that tissue-specific expression and off-target impacts are carefully evaluated
Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil of Ocimum gratissimum L. against Multidrug-resistant Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
(Trop J Phytocbem Phann Sci., 2025-06) Oranusi, Solomon Uche; Oyesile, Oluwapelumi S.; Obafemi, Yemisi D.; Akinduti, Paul A.; Omonhinmin, Conrad A.
Application of Nanobiofertilization for Bioremediation and Ecorestoration of Polluted Soil/Farmland
(2024) Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Chimbekujwo, Konjerimam Ishaku; Oniha, Margaret; Omoregie, Isibor Patrick; Ayanda, Opeyemi Isaac; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun; Mathew, John Tsado
Nanotechnology is a novel field of research that solves issues in relation to environmental contamination. It opens doors for an environmentally friendly substitutes without altering the ecosystem. The combination of the two methods, nanobiofertilization and bioremediation is a recently developed approach which gives hope for decontamination of the environment and restoring a livable future. It has proven to effectively absorb contaminates in a short period of time and in a friendlier manner. Microorganisms in nanobioremediation play an important role in the removal, detoxifying, degrading, and immobilization of pollutant into less toxic form. Bio- and phytoremediations are exclusively preferred approaches because of the edge it has over numerous methods like high waste cleaning abilities, its cheap, ecofriendly, and generally acceptable. This approach has exceptionally added to the tolerability and ecorestoration of the environment based on the upper hand it has over other innovations. More so, its efficacy signifies high level of pollutant removal and has lay out new prospect to tackle problem within the environment.
Application of Nanochitosan in the Detection of Pesticide Residues and Degradation
(2020) Yakubu, Japhet Gaius; Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Ilyasu, Ummulkhair Salamah; Ayanda, Opeyemi Isaac; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun
Chemicals called pesticides are used to manage pests like weeds, rodents, and insects. They are commonly used in agriculture to safeguard animals and crops from pests and illnesses. The usage of pesticides, however, can potentially have detrimental effects on the environment and public health. Pesticides can harm non-target creatures and contaminate the soil, water, and air. In addition, exposure to pesticides can result in a variety of medical issues in people, such as cancer, neurological conditions, and reproductive issues. Chitosan is a natural polymer formed from crab shells. Nanochitosan is chitosan in a nanoscale form. It has several distinctive qualities that make it a potential material for a variety of applications, including the detection and degradation of pesticides, such as large surface area, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. There are numerous ways to detect pesticides using nanochitosan. Utilizing sensors made of nanochitosan is one typical strategy. Usually, nanochitosan is immobilized onto a substrate, like a gold electrode, or nanochitosan-based colorimetric assays are used to create these sensors. Because there is currently no environmentally benign method of pesticide remediation, scientists have looked for other ways to prevent pesticides from having a negative impact on the ecosystem. In order to degrade pesticides, nanochitosan has been used in a variety of ways. These include the usage of nanochitosan-based adsorbents, which are typically created by adding a functional group with a strong affinity for pesticides to nanochitosan. The pesticide is subsequently removed from the environment by the functional group after it attaches to it. Because nanochitosan can be impacted by environmental factors including pH and temperature, there are restrictions on its usage for bioremediation. Nanochitosan provides a number of benefits over other materials used for the detection and degradation of pesticides, notwithstanding its limits. As a result, it may be investigated to reduce the effects of pesticides on the environment.
Applications of Mushrooms as Immune Boosters
(2026) Oniha,, Margaret Ikhiwili; Olusanya, Clement Shina; Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Tsado, Priscilla Yetu; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun; Popoola, Oluwabukola Atinuke; Israel , Adeyomoye Olorunsola
Mushrooms abound with bioactive constituents that promote good health, treat diseases, and boost the immune system of humans. These organic compounds include but are not restricted to protein, vitamins, minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, bio-functional components, fungal immunomodulatory proteins (FIPs), polysaccharides, terpenes, terpenoids, sesquiterpenes, polyphenolic compounds, lactones, and steroids. Numerous notable mushrooms also exhibit therapeutic properties such as Agaricus subrufescens, Cordyceps sinensis, Lentinula edodes , and Hericium erinaceus among others. Primary immunomodulatory compounds present in numerous medicinal mushrooms include terpenes, flavonoids, lectins, terpenoids, fungal immunomodulatory proteins (FIPs), and polyoses of which the latter serves as the most common natural immunomodulators from mushrooms. Varying chemical and physical components of these immunomodulating polysaccharides are obtained with significant individual effects on the bioactivity and mechanism of action. There are three core pathways associated with fundamental molecular mechanisms of immunomodulation by mushrooms and they include signal regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) through the NF-κB fundamental modulator (NEMO) composite, activation of phospholipase C-gamma (PLCγ), closely followed by calcineurin and the controlling of flagging route by which reactive oxygen species (ROS) be produced. In addition, FIPs have different functions including the inducement of antigen anchoring cells along with the discharge of cytokines including NO plus IL-12 when FIPs bind to Toll-like receptors (TLRs), promoting the propagation and distinctness of auxiliary T cells (Th0) to assemble Th1 cells together with Th2 cells, triggering of macrophages plus B cells and production of a heterogeneity of biotic determinants. Currently, research has focused on identifying antitumor components in mushroom extracts since a strong relationship exists between the human immune system and initiation of tumors, and dependence on the activation of the immune system. These compounds facilitate immune activation for cancer therapeutics, resolution of host defense-induced inflammatory reactions, and assist in the recovery of homeostasis in the recovered individuals. There are medicinal mushroom formulations that provide synergistic antitumor and immuno-modulatory functions. These functional constituents from medicinal mushrooms have been validated both from the foods and clinical assessments, hence the need for enhanced incorporation of mushrooms in foods as functional foods to achieve a robust immune system.
Assessment of knowledge and practices towards the diagnosis of arboviral infections amongst healthcare workers in Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory: a cross-sectional study
(Pan African Medical Journal, 2024-12-17) Ipadeola, A. F.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.; Kolawole, Olatunji Matthew; Isere, Elvis Efe; Attah, Timothy Adejoh; Omenyi, Lazarus Onyema; Oladokun, Odunola Dorcas; Oyewunmi, Kafayat Olabisi; Ekun, Oyeronke Olufemi; Oparaocha, Stellamaris Uche; Obazee, Dorcas Yetunde; Ndaks, Comfort; Ewa, Egwu Emmanuel; Olasehinde, Grace Iyabo
Bioremediation of heavy metals in aquatic environment: A review
(Cleaner Chemical Engineering, 2025) Oziegbe, Olubukola; Oziegbe, Ehitua Julius; Ojo-Omoniyi, Olusola
The pursuit of critical minerals such as lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and rare earth elements (REE) has intensified mining, producing heavy metal waste that contaminates water bodies. Pollution from human activ ities and improper disposal of high-tech products containing heavy metals like Hg, Cd, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Cr has degraded surface and groundwater. These metals enter the human body via bioaccumulation in the food chain or direct consumption of contaminated water, posing health risks. There is an urgent need for cost-effective, eco- friendly methods to decontaminate water without generating additional pollutants. Conventional remediation technologies are costly and produce hazardous waste requiring disposal. In contrast, biological materials—such as bacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi, lichens, algae, and plants—offer affordable, sustainable solutions for water decontamination. Moreover, metal-rich biomass from bioremediation processes, like cyanoremediation, can be converted into valuable products, such as metal nanoparticles for pharmaceutical and industrial use, creating a closed-loop system that generates wealth instead of waste. Genetic engineering can further enhance biosorbent organisms and plants to improve heavy metal binding and accumulation. This review examines the environ mental and health impacts of heavy metals, the limitations of conventional remediation methods, various bioremediation techniques, and future research directions.
Biosynthesized and natural chitosan-based nanoparticles for biomedical applications
(Woodhead Publishing Series in Biomaterials, 2025) Ahuekwe, E. F.; Akinhanmi, Fadekemi O.; Akinyemi, O D.; Taiwo, O. S.; Popoola, T. S.; George, D. S.; Aladele, A. K.; Azeta, J.; Oniha, M. I.
Chitin and chitosans, derived from diverse natural sources, are polysaccharides that have numerous uses in the food, biomedicine, water treatment, and pharmaceutical industries. As a result, the USD 6.8 billion chitosan market saw significant expansion in 2019. Their complex biological characteristics and therapeutic potential are methodically examined in this review, which also highlights their noteworthy antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory effects. Even with these praiseworthy qualities, regulatory bodies place restrictions on their recognition as medicinal products. Chitosan is also the best option for creating nanoparticles due to its qualities including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and positive surface charge. The exploration of natural sources highlights extraction strategies and reveals source-specific procedures using a variety of spectroscopic and microscopy techniques. Chitosan-based nanoparticles (ChNPs) are particularly effective in the field of biomedical applications; they work well in tissue engineering, gene therapy, and medication delivery. Their adaptability encompasses a range of aspects, such as the delivery of drugs, antibiotics, polyphenols, vaccines, and gene therapy. A thorough examination of the toxicity and biocompatibility of ChNPs is provided in this review, highlighting the effects of deacetylation degree, structural characteristics, molecular weight, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake. A close examination is given to the factors impeding the application of biomedicine, highlighting the critical need for regulatory frameworks. While chitosan’s symphony of applications reverberates throughout a multitude of biomedical fields, continued research and development endeavors are essential for revolutionizing uses and guaranteeing their prudent integration into a variety of sectors
Biotechnological advances in polyhydroxyalkanoates production from complex carbon sources
(Biocatalysis and Biotransformation Volume 43, 2025-06-03) Akinwumi, Adetutu Ruth; Nwinyi, Obinna Chukwuemeka; Ayeni, Augustine Omoniyi
Microbial synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) at the industrialized level is already being exploited, although constrained, due to high costs. The biotransformation of complex constituents using microbial biocatalysts is gaining prominence in the production of hydroxyl fatty acid monomers. Recent research has focused on identifying and optimizing complex substrates that offer high carbon load, ready availability, and a suitable balance of nutrients for microbial growth and polymer bioaccumulation. Exploring this biosynthetic pathway can generate advanced and novel biopolymers, thereby expanding industrial applications. Different enzymes, both homo- and heterodimer in nature, are involved in PHA synthesis. Thus, the type of enzyme group the producing microorganism uses determines the carbon-length class of PHA generated. However, incubation time, growth nutrient supplements, and fermentation parameters such as temperature, pH, and oxygen content have constantly been hindrances to increasing the PHA yields from complex substrates. This review also situates the potency of using crude oil spills as carbon substrates for PHA production. This review further emphasizes the role of microbial biotransformation of hydrocarbonbased substrates, including crude oil spill, for the production of hydroxylated fatty acid monomers used in PHA synthesis, offering a novel prospects for bioremediation with value-added biopolymer generation.
Characterisation of pristine and KOH-modified rice husk biochars for efficient heavy metal removal in wastewater treatment
(Scientific African, 2025) Ahuekwe, E. F.; Abimbola, Bowofoluwa S.; Agwamba, Ernest C.; Durodola, Bamidele
Biochar-based technology is emerging as a low-cost adsorbent in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, given its large surface area and highly porous structure. Rice husk presents a significant waste problem as it constitutes disposal challenges and is barely useful for other purposes. In this study, rice husks (RH) from locally grown rice cultivars were obtained from two rice mills in Nigeria and pyrolysed to biochar at 400 and 500 ◦C before chemical modification using 2 M KOH. The adsorption capacities (Qe) of the pristine RH biochar pyrolysed at 400 ◦C for Zn2+ and Pb2+, following synthetic wastewater treatment, were 462.5 and 142.8 mg/g, and at 500 ◦C, 1047.5 and 275.5 mg/g, respectively. KOH-modified biochar outperformed its pristine counterparts, as the recorded Qe for Zn2+ on the KOH-modified RH1 pyrolysed at 400 ◦C (KRH1_400B) showed 1547.75 mg/g, and 1534.25 mg/g at 500 ◦C (KRH1_500B), respectively, with a 98 % Zn2+ removal efficiency. For Pb2+, all KOH-modified biochars for RH1 and RH2 showed a 100 % removal efficiency and maximum Qe of 275.5 mg/g. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed increased poration of 200 μm sized pores, densely distributed across the rough surface of the KOH-modified biochar. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy showed varying carbon and silicon compositions of the RH1 and KRH1_400B. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy corroborated structural disparities in SEM, as compositional differences in the observed functional groups were identified in the chemically modified biochar. These include hydroxyl (3354 cm-1) and silicate ion (1017.6 cm-1) which enhance sorption capacity. X-ray Fluorescence revealed an increase in MgO, K2O, and Al2O3 upon KOH modification attributable to the improved heavy metal adsorption efficiency. These results highlight the impact of pyrolysis temperature, physicochemical properties of biomass and chemical modification on heavy metal removal efficiency of biochar for sustainable environmental remediation.
CHARACTERISATION OF PROSTATE TISSUE AND EXPRESSED PROSTATIC SECRETION IN PATIENTS WITH PROSTATE DISORDERS IN LAGOS NIGERIA
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-01) SAMUEL ABOSEDE ESTHER; Covenant University Ota
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most prevalent cancer in men, particularly affecting those of Black African descent. Nigeria currently has the fourth highest risk for PCa mortality in the world. The microbiome of the prostate has emerged as a critical factor in understanding the aetiology and progression of prostate diseases, such as prostate cancer (PCa), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), benign stromal hyperplasia (BSH) and prostatitis (PRO). This study was conducted to comparatively characterize the microbiome present in prostate tissue and expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) from patients diagnosed with PCa, BPH, BSH and PRO. A total of 30 study participants comprising of 15 prostate cancer, 10 benign prostatic hyperplasia, 2 benign stromal hyperplasia and 3 prostatitis subjects. Samples were collected from the urology clinic of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Ikeja and analysed to identify and quantify bacterial species, assessing the diversity and composition of the microbial communities. Subjects without prostate (15) cancer were used as control subjects. By employing cultural and 16SrRNA sequencing techniques, uro-pathogens were isolated from the samples. The antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out on these isolates. Prostate tissue and EPS samples from BPH patients demonstrated a higher prevalence of bacterial taxa, including Staphylococcus scuri, Bacillus mycoides, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogene and Bacillus subtilis. Conversely, PCa patients exhibited an increased presence of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Citrobacter freudii, Pseudomonas putida, Staphylococcus condimentii, and Proteus mirabilis, which have been implicated in chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis. A high abundance of Lactobacillus vaginalis, Staphylococcus carnosus and Zymononas mobilis were observed in the prostate tissue. PCa-associated microbiome displayed reduced microbial diversity compared to other prostate disorders, suggesting a possible dysbiosis linked to cancer progression.
CHARACTERISATION OF THE GUT MICROBIOME AND FUNCTIONAL PROFILE IN ESTROGEN RECEPTOR-POSITIVE BREAST CANCER PATIENTS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-10) WILLIAMS, Moyosoreoluwa Mary; Covenant University Dissertation
Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer is the most prevalent molecular subtype globally, yet its association with gut microbial composition, functional potential and inflammatory drivers remains uncharacterised in sub-Saharan Africa. Employing the intersection of microbiology, oncology, and genomics, this study investigated the gut microbiome, predicted functional profiles, and systemic inflammatory markers in treatment-naïve ER+ breast cancer patients compared to healthy controls in Lagos, Nigeria. Faecal DNA samples from participants were extracted and analysed using 16S rRNA sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform using the QIIME2 pipeline. Microbial diversity was assessed through alpha (Shannon index) and beta diversity (NMDS, PCoA) metrics, and the group differences were tested using the Mann–Whitney test and Kruskal–Wallis, while PICRUSt2 predicted functional pathways with on focus on β-glucuronidase. Concurrently, systemic inflammation was evaluated through the quantification of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) from blood serum. Analysis revealed no significant differences in alpha diversity between groups (p > 0.05). However, beta diversity demonstrated substantial compositional divergence (PERMANOVA R²=0.11, p=0.02), with cases showing an elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and depletion of Actinobacteriota, including Bifidobacterium and Collinsella. Functional prediction indicated heightened β-glucuronidase activity in ER+ cases, suggesting enhanced estrogen reactivation potential. Inflammatory markers displayed a complex profile, with significantly reduced IL-6 levels in patients despite stable CRP concentrations. These findings characterise distinct gut microbial dysbiosis and functional alterations in Nigerian ER+ breast cancer patients, revealing an estrobolome configuration potentially contributing to pathogenesis. The results underscore the necessity of population-specific microbiome studies and highlight potential biomarkers for early detection and targeted interventions in this understudied population.
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE GUT MICROBIOME AND INFLAMMATORY MARKERS IN TREATMENT-NAIVE TRIPLE-NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER (TNBC) PATIENTS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-10) OGUNLEYE, Oluwanifemi Omodara; Covenant University Dissertation
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Emerging studies suggest that gut microbial imbalance and chronic inflammation may contribute to breast cancer progression. This study investigated the gut microbiome profile and circulating inflammatory markers in treatment-naive TNBC patients compared with unknown subtypes and healthy controls to understand the microbiome–inflammation relationship in TNBC pathogenesis. Fecal DNA from TNBC, unknown subtype, and healthy control groups was extracted and analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing through the Nephele QIIME2 pipeline. Alpha diversity was evaluated with the Shannon index, and group differences were tested using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were quantified using ELISA, and correlations were assessed using Pearson and Spearman analyses. Alpha diversity analysis revealed no statistically significant difference among groups (Kruskal–Wallis p = 0.298), though TNBC samples exhibited lower and more variable Shannon index values compared with controls. TNBC samples showed unstable high levels of Firmicutes, and Bacteriodota, and varying low levels of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota, indicating microbial imbalance. IL-6 and TNF-α levels did not differ significantly between TNBC and controls (p > 0.05), though TNBC patients displayed higher variability. A moderate positive correlation was found between IL-6 and TNF-α in TNBC (r = 0.5982), indicating co-regulated inflammatory activity. The PICRUSt functional prediction revealed altered microbial metabolic pathways in TNBC patients compared to controls, particularly a reduction in butyrate and propionate metabolism associated with short-chain fatty acid production. The findings suggest early gut dysbiosis and immune imbalance in TNBC despite the absence of significant statistical differences. Reduced microbial diversity, altered phylum-level composition, and cytokine co-regulation indicate biological perturbations in treatment-naive TNBC. These findings collectively support a potential link between microbial dysbiosis, altered short-chain fatty acid metabolism and elevated inflammatory activity in TNBC pathogenesis. It also highlights the need for larger, longitudinal studies to validate microbial and inflammatory biomarkers for early disease characterization.