ObjectiveTo determine the activities of oxidative stress markers and lipid profiles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Nigeria.MethodsThis was a nested case-control study consisting of 50 PCOS patients and 50 healthy women of the same age range without any evidence of PCOS. The study measured the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (TAC); concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), as well as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) using standard spectrophotometric methods. Anthropometric indices were also assessed. P-values of <0.05 were taken to be statistically significant.ResultsThere were significantly higher levels of MDA (P=0.002), lower activity of SOD (P<0.001), and lower TAC (P=0.001) in PCOS patients when compared with the controls. There were higher concentrations of TC (P=0.017) and LDL-C P=0.012) in PCOS patients than in controls. Significant differences were not observed between the 2 groups in terms of the activity of GSH-Px, as well as the concentrations of HDL-C and TG. The body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio were all significantly higher in PCOS patients.ConclusionThis study revealed higher levels of MDA, as well as lower activity of SOD and TAC, among PCOS patients. Furthermore, there were higher levels of TC and LDL-C among the PCOS patients. Hence, monitoring these parameters may improve the clinical management of PCOS.

Highlights This study was conducted in two tertiary health institutions in Anambra state of southeastern Nigeria. It compared the adequacy of Pap smears obtained with two sampling devices- the wooden Ayre’s spatula and the Papcone®. The adequacy of smears obtained with Papcone® was significantly better than those of wooden Ayre’s spatula. Papcone® should always be preferred, especially in developing countries where liquid-based cytology is not yet routine.

Background To our knowledge, there is no prior randomized trial on the effectiveness of Mojeaga remedy (a special blend of Alchornea, Pennisetum, and Sorghum extracts ) when co-administered with standard-of-care for correction of anemia in obstetrics practice. This study determined the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Mojeaga as adjunct to conventional oral iron therapy for correction of anemia in obstetric population. Methods A pilot open-label randomized clinical trial. Participants with confirmed diagnosis of anemia in three tertiary hospitals in Nigeria were studied. Eligible participants were randomized 1:1 to either Mojeaga syrups 50 mls (200mg/50mls) administered three times daily in conjunction with conventional iron therapy (Mojeaga group) for 2 weeks or conventional iron therapy alone without Mojeaga  (standard-of-care group) for 2 weeks. Repeat hematocrit level were done 2 weeks post-initial therapy. Primary outcome measures were changes in hematocrit level and mean hematocrit level at two weeks post therapy. Maternal adverse events and neonatal outcomes (birth anomalies, low birthweight, preterm rupture of membranes and preterm labor) were considered the safety outcome measures. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. Results Ninety five participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to the Mojeaga group (n=48) or standard-of-care group (n=47). The baseline socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants were similar.  At two weeks follow-up the mean rise in hematocrit values from baseline (10.42±4.13% vs 6.36±3.69%;p<0.001) and mean hematocrit values (31.21±2.52% vs 27.7±3.49%;p<0.001) were significantly higher in the Mojeaga group. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events, congenital anomalies or deaths in the Mojeaga group and incidence of other neonatal outcomes were similar (p>0.05). Conclusion Mojeaga represents a new adjuvants for standard-of-care option for patients with anemia. Mojeaga remedy is safe for treating anemia during pregnancy and puerperium without increasing the incidence of congenital anomalies, or adverse neonatal outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration: www.pactr.samrc.ac.za : PACTR201901852059636.

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