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Papers by Chukwuemelie Zedech Uche
BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS eBooks, Nov 1, 2023
Scicom Journal of Medical and Applied Medical Sciences
Green nanotechnology represents a burgeoning field that holds immense promise in the realm of nut... more Green nanotechnology represents a burgeoning field that holds immense promise in the realm of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted applications of green nanotechnology, offering an extensive analysis of its potential and current achievements in these vital sectors. The utilization of plant extracts and natural compounds as reducing and stabilizing agents for nanoparticles is a key focus of this review. The discussion encompasses various synthesis techniques, shedding light on the innovative developments and methods that researchers employ to harness the full potential of green nanotechnology. The array of applications covered in this review spans applications in drug delivery systems and nanomedicine to imaging and diagnostics and environmental applications. We underscore the significance of maintaining nanoparticle stability and bioavailability throughout their journey within the body, addressing critical issues related to nanotoxi...
Universa Medicina, 2018
BACKGROUNDElectronic waste (e-waste) is known to contain thousands of toxic chemicals and metals,... more BACKGROUNDElectronic waste (e-waste) is known to contain thousands of toxic chemicals and metals, many of which have identified endocrine disruption potentials even at low blood concentrations resulting from occupational and environmental exposures. E-waste crude reprocessing in Nigeria is massive and a growing number of Nigerians are occupationally exposed. The present study aimed to determine changes in gonadal hormone levels associated with occupational crude e-waste reprocessing in Nigerian male e-waste workers. METHODSThis cross-sectional study which was carried out in Benin City, South-South Nigeria recruited male e-waste workers (n=63); and apparently healthy non e-waste workers (n=41), as exposed and unexposed participants respectively. Male fertility hormones which includes luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (TESTO) and prolactin (PROL); as well as progesterone (PROG), estrogen (EST) and inhibin (INH) were determined using enzyme link...
Molecular Brain Research, 2005
Up-regulation of activity of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) has been reported to occur in the Pa... more Up-regulation of activity of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) has been reported to occur in the Parkinsonian substantia nigra, the area of the brain affected by the disease. Increased GGT activity has been hypothesized to play a role in subsequent mitochondrial complex I (CI) inhibition by increasing cysteine as substrate for cellular uptake. Intracellular cysteine has been proposed to form toxic adducts with dopamine which can be metabolized to compounds which inhibit CI activity. We have demonstrated that in addition to CI inhibition, GGT activity is up-regulated in dopaminergic cells as a consequence of glutathione depletion. Inhibition of GGT rather than resulting in increased CI inhibition results in exacerbation of this inhibitory effect. This suggests that increased GGT activity is likely an adaptive response to the loss of glutathione to conserve intracellular glutathione content and results in a compensatory effect on CI activity rather than in its inhibition as has been previously widely hypothesized.
Medical Case reports and Reviews, 2019
Background/Aim: Painful vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is the most frequent complication of sickle c... more Background/Aim: Painful vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is the most frequent complication of sickle cell disease. The cause of VOC is believed to be ischemic tissue injury from the obstruction of blood flow by sickled erythrocytes. Sickling process leads to hypoxia and acidosis; a cycle that eventually leads to ischemic tissue injury. The study was aimed at evaluating the biochemical and haematological changes in sickle cell disease patients during crisis and steady state. Materials and Methods: One hundred sickle cell anaemia patients attending sickle cell clinic at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, comprising of 40 males and 60 females, aged 10-30 years and 50 (25 males and 25 females) apparently healthy control subjects participated in the study. Blood sample (5.0 ml) was drawn from a peripheral vein during crisis and steady states for biochemical and haematological analysis using haematological auto analyzer and standard spectrophotometric method. Results: The mean albumin, globulin and total protein concentrations in VOC were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the mean steady state and the controls. The mean haemoglobin, haematocrit, platelet and red blood cell concentration both in VOC and steady state were significantly lower (p<0.05) than the controls while the total white blood cell concentration (8.5 ± 1.5x10 9 /L) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the mean steady state (7.6 ± 0.8x10 9 /L) and the controls (5.1 ± 1.2x10 9 /L). Conclusion: These findings have demonstrated alteration of some biochemical and haematological parameters during VOC and normal state in sickle cell disease.
Clinical Hypertension
Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy including preexisting (or chronic) hypertension ar... more Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy including preexisting (or chronic) hypertension are the most common complication encountered during pregnancy that contribute significantly to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and copeptin have been investigated as biomarkers in various hypertensive disorders, but studies of their clinical value in chronic hypertensive pregnant women are sparce. This study aimed to assess the levels of BNP and copeptin in chronic hypertensive pregnant women and investigate their correlation with blood pressure (BP) in chronic hypertensive pregnant women in South Western Nigeria. Methods One hundred and sixty consenting pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy, grouped into those with chronic hypertension (n = 80) and normotensive (n = 80), were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Age and clinical characteristics were obtained, and blood was aseptically drawn for BNP and copeptin measuremen...
Scicom Journal of Medical and Applied Medical Sciences
The pathophysiological processes involved in neurodegenerative diseases have not been clearly def... more The pathophysiological processes involved in neurodegenerative diseases have not been clearly defined. Nevertheless, a significant aspect of the proof focuses directly on the function of several mechanisms of inflammation. The immune system is represented in the central nervous system by the microglial cell capable of detecting harmful or foreign pathogens, and thus initiates self-activation and neuro-inflammatory processes via phagocytosis and cytokines release, to maintain the cellular microenvironment. Then, microglial cells can spawn an emphasis on persistent inflammation that sometimes precedes or promote the neurodegenerative processes. Hence, the neuro-inflammatory micro-environment turns toxic and damaging to the neuronal cell, leading to degeneration and release of several factors which trigger an inflammatory reaction of the microglia, activating the neurodegenerative cycle. The biomechanical properties of the brain, neuronal regeneration, and plasticity can be modified by...
Food Science & Nutrition
Food Science & Nutrition
Food Science & Nutrition
Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a role in cancer development, organogenesis, and embryogene... more Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a role in cancer development, organogenesis, and embryogenesis. The abnormal activation promotes cancer stem cell renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. In the present study, molecular docking simulation and ADMET studies were carried out on selected bioactive compounds in search of β-catenin protein inhibitors for drug discovery against cancer. Blind docking simulation was performed using PyRx software on Autodock Vina. β-catenin protein (PDB ID: 1jdh) and 313 bioactive compounds (from PubChem database) with selected standard anticancer drugs were used for molecular docking. The ADMET properties of the best-performing compounds were calculated using SwissADME and pkCMS web servers. The results obtained from the molecular docking study showed that glycyrrhizic acid, solanine, polyphyllin I, crocin, hypericin, tubeimoside-1, diosmin, and rutin had the best binding interactions with β-catenin protein based on their binding affinities. Glycyrrhizic acid and solanine had the same and lowest binding energy of −8.5 kcal/mol. This was followed by polyphyllin I with −8.4 kcal/mol, and crocin, hypericin, and tubeimoside-1 which all had a binding energy of 8.1 kcal/mol. Other top-performing compounds include diosmin and rutin with binding energy of −8.0 kcal/mol. The ADMET study revealed that the following compounds glycyrrhizic acid, solanine, polyphyllin I, crocin, hypericin, tubeimoside-1, diosmin, rutin, and baicalin all violated Lipinski's rule of 5 which implies poor oral bioavailability. However, based on the binding energy score, it was suggested that these pharmacologically active compounds are potential molecules to be tested against cancer.
Coronavirus Drug Discovery
Food and Agricultural Byproducts as Important Source of Valuable Nutraceuticals
Coronavirus Drug Discovery
BioMed Research International
Ficus exasperata has been used to treat ulcer, diabetes, fever, and a variety of stress-related d... more Ficus exasperata has been used to treat ulcer, diabetes, fever, and a variety of stress-related disorders. Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the most common cause of drug-induced acute liver injury. In this study, we evaluated the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extract of F. exasperata (EFE) on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Rats were pretreated with EFE (150, 250, 500 mg/kg) and thereafter received 250 mg/kg APA intraperitoneally (i.p.). The normal control group received distilled water, while the negative control group received 250 mg/kg APAP, respectively. Hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress-antioxidant parameters were then assessed. Flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and glycosides, but not phenolics were detected by EFE phytochemical analysis. No mortality was recorded on acute exposure of rats to varying concentrations of APAP after 24 h; however, a dose-dependent increase in severity of convulsion, urination, and hyperactivity ...
BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS eBooks, Nov 1, 2023
Scicom Journal of Medical and Applied Medical Sciences
Green nanotechnology represents a burgeoning field that holds immense promise in the realm of nut... more Green nanotechnology represents a burgeoning field that holds immense promise in the realm of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted applications of green nanotechnology, offering an extensive analysis of its potential and current achievements in these vital sectors. The utilization of plant extracts and natural compounds as reducing and stabilizing agents for nanoparticles is a key focus of this review. The discussion encompasses various synthesis techniques, shedding light on the innovative developments and methods that researchers employ to harness the full potential of green nanotechnology. The array of applications covered in this review spans applications in drug delivery systems and nanomedicine to imaging and diagnostics and environmental applications. We underscore the significance of maintaining nanoparticle stability and bioavailability throughout their journey within the body, addressing critical issues related to nanotoxi...
Universa Medicina, 2018
BACKGROUNDElectronic waste (e-waste) is known to contain thousands of toxic chemicals and metals,... more BACKGROUNDElectronic waste (e-waste) is known to contain thousands of toxic chemicals and metals, many of which have identified endocrine disruption potentials even at low blood concentrations resulting from occupational and environmental exposures. E-waste crude reprocessing in Nigeria is massive and a growing number of Nigerians are occupationally exposed. The present study aimed to determine changes in gonadal hormone levels associated with occupational crude e-waste reprocessing in Nigerian male e-waste workers. METHODSThis cross-sectional study which was carried out in Benin City, South-South Nigeria recruited male e-waste workers (n=63); and apparently healthy non e-waste workers (n=41), as exposed and unexposed participants respectively. Male fertility hormones which includes luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (TESTO) and prolactin (PROL); as well as progesterone (PROG), estrogen (EST) and inhibin (INH) were determined using enzyme link...
Molecular Brain Research, 2005
Up-regulation of activity of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) has been reported to occur in the Pa... more Up-regulation of activity of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) has been reported to occur in the Parkinsonian substantia nigra, the area of the brain affected by the disease. Increased GGT activity has been hypothesized to play a role in subsequent mitochondrial complex I (CI) inhibition by increasing cysteine as substrate for cellular uptake. Intracellular cysteine has been proposed to form toxic adducts with dopamine which can be metabolized to compounds which inhibit CI activity. We have demonstrated that in addition to CI inhibition, GGT activity is up-regulated in dopaminergic cells as a consequence of glutathione depletion. Inhibition of GGT rather than resulting in increased CI inhibition results in exacerbation of this inhibitory effect. This suggests that increased GGT activity is likely an adaptive response to the loss of glutathione to conserve intracellular glutathione content and results in a compensatory effect on CI activity rather than in its inhibition as has been previously widely hypothesized.
Medical Case reports and Reviews, 2019
Background/Aim: Painful vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is the most frequent complication of sickle c... more Background/Aim: Painful vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is the most frequent complication of sickle cell disease. The cause of VOC is believed to be ischemic tissue injury from the obstruction of blood flow by sickled erythrocytes. Sickling process leads to hypoxia and acidosis; a cycle that eventually leads to ischemic tissue injury. The study was aimed at evaluating the biochemical and haematological changes in sickle cell disease patients during crisis and steady state. Materials and Methods: One hundred sickle cell anaemia patients attending sickle cell clinic at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, comprising of 40 males and 60 females, aged 10-30 years and 50 (25 males and 25 females) apparently healthy control subjects participated in the study. Blood sample (5.0 ml) was drawn from a peripheral vein during crisis and steady states for biochemical and haematological analysis using haematological auto analyzer and standard spectrophotometric method. Results: The mean albumin, globulin and total protein concentrations in VOC were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the mean steady state and the controls. The mean haemoglobin, haematocrit, platelet and red blood cell concentration both in VOC and steady state were significantly lower (p<0.05) than the controls while the total white blood cell concentration (8.5 ± 1.5x10 9 /L) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the mean steady state (7.6 ± 0.8x10 9 /L) and the controls (5.1 ± 1.2x10 9 /L). Conclusion: These findings have demonstrated alteration of some biochemical and haematological parameters during VOC and normal state in sickle cell disease.
Clinical Hypertension
Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy including preexisting (or chronic) hypertension ar... more Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy including preexisting (or chronic) hypertension are the most common complication encountered during pregnancy that contribute significantly to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and copeptin have been investigated as biomarkers in various hypertensive disorders, but studies of their clinical value in chronic hypertensive pregnant women are sparce. This study aimed to assess the levels of BNP and copeptin in chronic hypertensive pregnant women and investigate their correlation with blood pressure (BP) in chronic hypertensive pregnant women in South Western Nigeria. Methods One hundred and sixty consenting pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy, grouped into those with chronic hypertension (n = 80) and normotensive (n = 80), were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Age and clinical characteristics were obtained, and blood was aseptically drawn for BNP and copeptin measuremen...
Scicom Journal of Medical and Applied Medical Sciences
The pathophysiological processes involved in neurodegenerative diseases have not been clearly def... more The pathophysiological processes involved in neurodegenerative diseases have not been clearly defined. Nevertheless, a significant aspect of the proof focuses directly on the function of several mechanisms of inflammation. The immune system is represented in the central nervous system by the microglial cell capable of detecting harmful or foreign pathogens, and thus initiates self-activation and neuro-inflammatory processes via phagocytosis and cytokines release, to maintain the cellular microenvironment. Then, microglial cells can spawn an emphasis on persistent inflammation that sometimes precedes or promote the neurodegenerative processes. Hence, the neuro-inflammatory micro-environment turns toxic and damaging to the neuronal cell, leading to degeneration and release of several factors which trigger an inflammatory reaction of the microglia, activating the neurodegenerative cycle. The biomechanical properties of the brain, neuronal regeneration, and plasticity can be modified by...
Food Science & Nutrition
Food Science & Nutrition
Food Science & Nutrition
Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a role in cancer development, organogenesis, and embryogene... more Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a role in cancer development, organogenesis, and embryogenesis. The abnormal activation promotes cancer stem cell renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. In the present study, molecular docking simulation and ADMET studies were carried out on selected bioactive compounds in search of β-catenin protein inhibitors for drug discovery against cancer. Blind docking simulation was performed using PyRx software on Autodock Vina. β-catenin protein (PDB ID: 1jdh) and 313 bioactive compounds (from PubChem database) with selected standard anticancer drugs were used for molecular docking. The ADMET properties of the best-performing compounds were calculated using SwissADME and pkCMS web servers. The results obtained from the molecular docking study showed that glycyrrhizic acid, solanine, polyphyllin I, crocin, hypericin, tubeimoside-1, diosmin, and rutin had the best binding interactions with β-catenin protein based on their binding affinities. Glycyrrhizic acid and solanine had the same and lowest binding energy of −8.5 kcal/mol. This was followed by polyphyllin I with −8.4 kcal/mol, and crocin, hypericin, and tubeimoside-1 which all had a binding energy of 8.1 kcal/mol. Other top-performing compounds include diosmin and rutin with binding energy of −8.0 kcal/mol. The ADMET study revealed that the following compounds glycyrrhizic acid, solanine, polyphyllin I, crocin, hypericin, tubeimoside-1, diosmin, rutin, and baicalin all violated Lipinski's rule of 5 which implies poor oral bioavailability. However, based on the binding energy score, it was suggested that these pharmacologically active compounds are potential molecules to be tested against cancer.
Coronavirus Drug Discovery
Food and Agricultural Byproducts as Important Source of Valuable Nutraceuticals
Coronavirus Drug Discovery
BioMed Research International
Ficus exasperata has been used to treat ulcer, diabetes, fever, and a variety of stress-related d... more Ficus exasperata has been used to treat ulcer, diabetes, fever, and a variety of stress-related disorders. Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the most common cause of drug-induced acute liver injury. In this study, we evaluated the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extract of F. exasperata (EFE) on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Rats were pretreated with EFE (150, 250, 500 mg/kg) and thereafter received 250 mg/kg APA intraperitoneally (i.p.). The normal control group received distilled water, while the negative control group received 250 mg/kg APAP, respectively. Hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress-antioxidant parameters were then assessed. Flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and glycosides, but not phenolics were detected by EFE phytochemical analysis. No mortality was recorded on acute exposure of rats to varying concentrations of APAP after 24 h; however, a dose-dependent increase in severity of convulsion, urination, and hyperactivity ...