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Papers by Carolyn Ekpruke

Research paper thumbnail of Thirdhand vaping exposures are associated with pulmonary and systemic inflammation in a mouse model

Journal of environmental exposure assessment, Oct 29, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Sensitivity of Mouse Lung Nuclear Receptors to Electronic Cigarette Aerosols and Influence of Sex Differences: A Pilot Study

International journal of environmental research and public health/International journal of environmental research and public health, Jun 20, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Gonadal sex and chromosome complement influence the gut microbiome in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation

Physiological genomics/Physiological genomics (Print), Apr 19, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Transcriptomics analysis of allergen-induced inflammatory gene expression in the Four-Core Genotype mouse model

Physiological Genomics, Dec 3, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Lung pro-inflammatory microRNA and cytokine expression in a mouse model of allergic inflammation: role of sex chromosome complement and gonadal hormones

Physiological Genomics, Dec 3, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Sex Influences on Nuclear Receptor Expression in Electronic Cigarette Induced Lung Inflammation

Research paper thumbnail of Airway remodeling in asthma

Annals of Translational Medicine, Nov 1, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Sex Differences in Airway Remodeling and Inflammation: Clinical and Biological Factors

Frontiers in allergy, Apr 29, 2022

Asthma is characterized by an increase in the contraction and inflammation of airway muscles, res... more Asthma is characterized by an increase in the contraction and inflammation of airway muscles, resulting in airflow obstruction. The prevalence of asthma is lower in females than in males until the start of puberty, and higher in adult women than men. This sex disparity and switch at the onset of puberty has been an object of debate among many researchers. Hence, in this review, we have summarized these observations to pinpoint areas needing more research work and to provide better sex-specific diagnosis and management of asthma. While some researchers have attributed it to the anatomical and physiological differences in the male and female respiratory systems, the influences of hormonal interplay after puberty have also been stressed. Other hormones such as leptin have been linked to the sex differences in asthma in both obese and non-obese patients. Recently, many scientists have also demonstrated the influence of the sex-specific genomic framework as a key player, and others have linked it to environmental, social lifestyle, and occupational exposures. The majority of studies concluded that adult men are less susceptible to developing asthma than women and that women display more severe forms of the disease. Therefore, the understanding of the roles played by sex-and gender-specific factors, and the biological mechanisms involved will help develop novel and more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic plans for sex-specific asthma management.

Research paper thumbnail of The Phenotypic Effect of Sex Chromosomes Versus Sex Hormones in a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma

Research paper thumbnail of Sex Differences in Airway Remodeling and Inflammation: Clinical and Biological Factors

Frontiers in Allergy

Asthma is characterized by an increase in the contraction and inflammation of airway muscles, res... more Asthma is characterized by an increase in the contraction and inflammation of airway muscles, resulting in airflow obstruction. The prevalence of asthma is lower in females than in males until the start of puberty, and higher in adult women than men. This sex disparity and switch at the onset of puberty has been an object of debate among many researchers. Hence, in this review, we have summarized these observations to pinpoint areas needing more research work and to provide better sex-specific diagnosis and management of asthma. While some researchers have attributed it to the anatomical and physiological differences in the male and female respiratory systems, the influences of hormonal interplay after puberty have also been stressed. Other hormones such as leptin have been linked to the sex differences in asthma in both obese and non-obese patients. Recently, many scientists have also demonstrated the influence of the sex-specific genomic framework as a key player, and others have ...

Research paper thumbnail of Airway remodeling in asthma

Annals of Translational Medicine

Research paper thumbnail of Cardiovascular System Response to Chronic Exposure to Emissions from Gas Turbines Power Plants

World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases, 2020

Objectives: Heart Rate and Blood Pressure have been reported to be susceptible to the effects of ... more Objectives: Heart Rate and Blood Pressure have been reported to be susceptible to the effects of air pollution. Effect of emissions from gas turbine power station among workers is relatively unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the effect of emissions from gas turbines on cardiovascular functions and C-reactive protein level in workers of power generating stations. Methodology: 440 individuals made up of 228 workers of gas-fired power plant stations and 212 non-power generating station workers volunteered for this study. A detailed questionnaire was carefully filled by volunteers and anthropometric data measured and recorded. Blood pressure, heart rate and C-reactive protein level (CRP) were measured using standard laboratory techniques in all subjects. Results were presented as Mean ± Standard Error of Mean (SEM) and appropriate analysis was done using Independent student's t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). P-value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Result showed increased systolic blood pressure (SBP), 142.45 ± 8.87 mmHg of test subjects compared to that of the control (P < 0.05) which was 121.32 ± 2.25 mmHg. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) of the test and control groups. The Pulse Rate (PR) increased significantly in the test group (89.00 ± 0.02 bpm) when compared to that of the control group (74.34 ± 1.23 bpm). There was also an elevated plasma level of CRP, 6.69 ± 0.03 mg/L in the test group compared to the control (P < 0.05) which was 2.15 ± 0.01 mg/L. Conclusion: Exposure to gas emission from natural gas-fired power plants on workers of power generating stations increased SBP, PR and C-reactive Protein level.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of different cassava (Manihot utilissima) components on liver function of male Wistar rats

Journal of Experimental and Clinical Anatomy, 2015

Introduction: Liver is the main organ in vertebrates that is responsible for metabolism of substa... more Introduction: Liver is the main organ in vertebrates that is responsible for metabolism of substances ingested. Cassava is a rich source of carbohydrate that provides calories for many Nigerians. It is grossly deficient in protein, fat, some minerals and vitamins. The effect of consumption of the different cassava components on the liver function of Wistar rats was studied. Material and Method: Male rats (n=28) with weights between 165g-260g were randomly selected and assigned into three experimental groups and one control group of n=7 per group. The rats in the experimental groups were fed with normal rat chow with inclusion of 50% different cassava components thoroughly mixed with the feeds on a daily basis for eight weeks. The control group received equal amount of normal rat chow daily without the inclusion of any cassava components for the same period. All the rats had access to water ad libitum. The rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks of the experiment. Blood samples were collected for estimation of liver function. Result and Discussion: Average values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatise (ALP), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), conjugated bilirubin (CB) and total bilirubin (TB) were recorded for each group and compared among the groups. It was observed that there were no statistically significant differences in the parameters investigated except the level of AST which increased in the experimental group fed with inclusion of 50% popo gari and starch in their diet but decreased in the other experimental group, conjugated bilirubin decreased in the experimental groups and the total bilirubin level decreased statistically in the experimental groups fed normal chow with inclusion of 50% popo gari and gari in their diet but no statistically significant difference in the group with inclusion of 50% starch in their diet when compared with the control group. Conclusion: This percentage used may not have adverse effect on liver function.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of Allergic Inflammation Gene Expression Profiles in the Four Core Genotype Mouse Model

Physiology

The mechanisms underlying the differential allergic inflammation phenotype observed in males and ... more The mechanisms underlying the differential allergic inflammation phenotype observed in males and females remain unknown, however, both sex hormones and sex-specific genes have been suggested to play a role. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes, associated cellular functions, and regulatory pathways in lung tissue from the combination of the Four Core Genotype (FCG) model with a mouse model of allergic inflammation triggered by HDM.For this, FCG adult mice (10 weeks old) of all genotypes (XXM, XXF, XYM, XYF) were challenged intranasally by administering 50 μl of HDM solution (25 μg of HDM extract from two species, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and Dermatophagoides farinae) or vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline, PBS) five times in a week for 5 weeks. At 72hrs after the last exposure, airway hyperreactivity (AHR) was assessed through methacholine challenge (MCh) using the Flexivent rodent ventilator system (SCIREQ), and lung inflammation was determined via Bron...

Research paper thumbnail of Thirdhand vaping exposures are associated with pulmonary and systemic inflammation in a mouse model

Journal of environmental exposure assessment, Oct 29, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Sensitivity of Mouse Lung Nuclear Receptors to Electronic Cigarette Aerosols and Influence of Sex Differences: A Pilot Study

International journal of environmental research and public health/International journal of environmental research and public health, Jun 20, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Gonadal sex and chromosome complement influence the gut microbiome in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation

Physiological genomics/Physiological genomics (Print), Apr 19, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Transcriptomics analysis of allergen-induced inflammatory gene expression in the Four-Core Genotype mouse model

Physiological Genomics, Dec 3, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Lung pro-inflammatory microRNA and cytokine expression in a mouse model of allergic inflammation: role of sex chromosome complement and gonadal hormones

Physiological Genomics, Dec 3, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Sex Influences on Nuclear Receptor Expression in Electronic Cigarette Induced Lung Inflammation

Research paper thumbnail of Airway remodeling in asthma

Annals of Translational Medicine, Nov 1, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Sex Differences in Airway Remodeling and Inflammation: Clinical and Biological Factors

Frontiers in allergy, Apr 29, 2022

Asthma is characterized by an increase in the contraction and inflammation of airway muscles, res... more Asthma is characterized by an increase in the contraction and inflammation of airway muscles, resulting in airflow obstruction. The prevalence of asthma is lower in females than in males until the start of puberty, and higher in adult women than men. This sex disparity and switch at the onset of puberty has been an object of debate among many researchers. Hence, in this review, we have summarized these observations to pinpoint areas needing more research work and to provide better sex-specific diagnosis and management of asthma. While some researchers have attributed it to the anatomical and physiological differences in the male and female respiratory systems, the influences of hormonal interplay after puberty have also been stressed. Other hormones such as leptin have been linked to the sex differences in asthma in both obese and non-obese patients. Recently, many scientists have also demonstrated the influence of the sex-specific genomic framework as a key player, and others have linked it to environmental, social lifestyle, and occupational exposures. The majority of studies concluded that adult men are less susceptible to developing asthma than women and that women display more severe forms of the disease. Therefore, the understanding of the roles played by sex-and gender-specific factors, and the biological mechanisms involved will help develop novel and more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic plans for sex-specific asthma management.

Research paper thumbnail of The Phenotypic Effect of Sex Chromosomes Versus Sex Hormones in a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma

Research paper thumbnail of Sex Differences in Airway Remodeling and Inflammation: Clinical and Biological Factors

Frontiers in Allergy

Asthma is characterized by an increase in the contraction and inflammation of airway muscles, res... more Asthma is characterized by an increase in the contraction and inflammation of airway muscles, resulting in airflow obstruction. The prevalence of asthma is lower in females than in males until the start of puberty, and higher in adult women than men. This sex disparity and switch at the onset of puberty has been an object of debate among many researchers. Hence, in this review, we have summarized these observations to pinpoint areas needing more research work and to provide better sex-specific diagnosis and management of asthma. While some researchers have attributed it to the anatomical and physiological differences in the male and female respiratory systems, the influences of hormonal interplay after puberty have also been stressed. Other hormones such as leptin have been linked to the sex differences in asthma in both obese and non-obese patients. Recently, many scientists have also demonstrated the influence of the sex-specific genomic framework as a key player, and others have ...

Research paper thumbnail of Airway remodeling in asthma

Annals of Translational Medicine

Research paper thumbnail of Cardiovascular System Response to Chronic Exposure to Emissions from Gas Turbines Power Plants

World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases, 2020

Objectives: Heart Rate and Blood Pressure have been reported to be susceptible to the effects of ... more Objectives: Heart Rate and Blood Pressure have been reported to be susceptible to the effects of air pollution. Effect of emissions from gas turbine power station among workers is relatively unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the effect of emissions from gas turbines on cardiovascular functions and C-reactive protein level in workers of power generating stations. Methodology: 440 individuals made up of 228 workers of gas-fired power plant stations and 212 non-power generating station workers volunteered for this study. A detailed questionnaire was carefully filled by volunteers and anthropometric data measured and recorded. Blood pressure, heart rate and C-reactive protein level (CRP) were measured using standard laboratory techniques in all subjects. Results were presented as Mean ± Standard Error of Mean (SEM) and appropriate analysis was done using Independent student's t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). P-value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Result showed increased systolic blood pressure (SBP), 142.45 ± 8.87 mmHg of test subjects compared to that of the control (P < 0.05) which was 121.32 ± 2.25 mmHg. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) of the test and control groups. The Pulse Rate (PR) increased significantly in the test group (89.00 ± 0.02 bpm) when compared to that of the control group (74.34 ± 1.23 bpm). There was also an elevated plasma level of CRP, 6.69 ± 0.03 mg/L in the test group compared to the control (P < 0.05) which was 2.15 ± 0.01 mg/L. Conclusion: Exposure to gas emission from natural gas-fired power plants on workers of power generating stations increased SBP, PR and C-reactive Protein level.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of different cassava (Manihot utilissima) components on liver function of male Wistar rats

Journal of Experimental and Clinical Anatomy, 2015

Introduction: Liver is the main organ in vertebrates that is responsible for metabolism of substa... more Introduction: Liver is the main organ in vertebrates that is responsible for metabolism of substances ingested. Cassava is a rich source of carbohydrate that provides calories for many Nigerians. It is grossly deficient in protein, fat, some minerals and vitamins. The effect of consumption of the different cassava components on the liver function of Wistar rats was studied. Material and Method: Male rats (n=28) with weights between 165g-260g were randomly selected and assigned into three experimental groups and one control group of n=7 per group. The rats in the experimental groups were fed with normal rat chow with inclusion of 50% different cassava components thoroughly mixed with the feeds on a daily basis for eight weeks. The control group received equal amount of normal rat chow daily without the inclusion of any cassava components for the same period. All the rats had access to water ad libitum. The rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks of the experiment. Blood samples were collected for estimation of liver function. Result and Discussion: Average values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatise (ALP), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), conjugated bilirubin (CB) and total bilirubin (TB) were recorded for each group and compared among the groups. It was observed that there were no statistically significant differences in the parameters investigated except the level of AST which increased in the experimental group fed with inclusion of 50% popo gari and starch in their diet but decreased in the other experimental group, conjugated bilirubin decreased in the experimental groups and the total bilirubin level decreased statistically in the experimental groups fed normal chow with inclusion of 50% popo gari and gari in their diet but no statistically significant difference in the group with inclusion of 50% starch in their diet when compared with the control group. Conclusion: This percentage used may not have adverse effect on liver function.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of Allergic Inflammation Gene Expression Profiles in the Four Core Genotype Mouse Model

Physiology

The mechanisms underlying the differential allergic inflammation phenotype observed in males and ... more The mechanisms underlying the differential allergic inflammation phenotype observed in males and females remain unknown, however, both sex hormones and sex-specific genes have been suggested to play a role. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes, associated cellular functions, and regulatory pathways in lung tissue from the combination of the Four Core Genotype (FCG) model with a mouse model of allergic inflammation triggered by HDM.For this, FCG adult mice (10 weeks old) of all genotypes (XXM, XXF, XYM, XYF) were challenged intranasally by administering 50 μl of HDM solution (25 μg of HDM extract from two species, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and Dermatophagoides farinae) or vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline, PBS) five times in a week for 5 weeks. At 72hrs after the last exposure, airway hyperreactivity (AHR) was assessed through methacholine challenge (MCh) using the Flexivent rodent ventilator system (SCIREQ), and lung inflammation was determined via Bron...