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We previously observed that PDE5 inhibitors and opioids were widely abused in Nigeria. Here, we examined the effect of high doses of sildenafil, tadalafil, tramadol and sildenafil + tramadol on reproductive toxicity in male rats. Rats were either administered normal saline (0.2 ml), sildenafil (10 mg/kg), tadalafil (10 mg/kg), tramadol (20 mg/kg) or sildenafil + tramadol (10 and 20 mg/kg respectively) p. o. for 8 weeks. The recovery groups were allowed 8-week recovery period before sacrifice. Results showed that body weight change, testicular and epididymal weights, epididymal sperm count and sperm viability were significantly reduced in all treated groups compared with the control. Spermatozoa with abnormal morphology were significantly increased in all treated groups compared with the control. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly reduced, while malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased in all treated groups compared with the control. The severity of toxicity was highest in sildenafil + tramadol group. There was no complete recovery from reproductive toxicity following withdrawal of the various treatments. High doses of sildenafil, tadalafil, tramadol or sildenafil + tramadol result in testicular oxidative stress-induced reproductive toxicity with poor reversal following withdrawal.

Summary:It was generally observed that welders in Calabar, Nigeria did not always wear their protective goggles during welding. Since chronic exposure to welding light can impair vision this study was done to assess the effect of exposure to welding light on ocular function of welders in Calabar, Nigeria. There were 195 subjects comprising 110 welders (test) and 85 control subjects. Both groups were all male and had similar age range. The tests employed were clinical examination for ocular disorders, assessment of visual acuity, and opthalmoscopy. Test questionnaire was also used to record information on length of service, precautionary measures at work place, age and past ocular illnesses. The study also compared incidence of ocular disorders between the two groups of welders (arc and carbide welders). The mean ages of the welders and their control were not significantly different (27.53  10.0 vs 27.78  8.5 yrs respectively). There was a significantly (P<0.01) higher incidence of pingueculum, cataract, allergic conjunctivitis, corneal opacity, and keratoconjunctivitis (arc eye) in welders than in their control subjects. However, visual acuity, incidence of pterygium and glaucoma were similar. Between the two groups of welders, the incidence of pterygium, corneal opacity and keratoconjunctivitis was significantly (P< 0.01) higher in arc welders than carbide welders. The incidence of pingueculum and glaucoma were however, similar. In conclusion, chronic exposure to welding light without adequate precaution may cause ocular disorders. Arc welding is more dangerous to ocular function than carbide welding. Length of service and age are predisposing factors to ocular disorders in the welding business.

Summary: A total of 224 diabetics and 221 non-diabetics (control) were involved in this study, to determine the relative incidence of diabetes mellitus in ABO/Rhesus blood group. The current criteria for the diagnosis f diabetes mellitus were applied in differentiating the diabetics from the non-diabetics. Blood group, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and random blood sugar (RBG) were determined using standard methods. Type I, Type II and gestational diabetes mellitus were identified in this study. Biodata information were obtained during history taking and from subject hospital case note. The mean age of diabetics was 50.9 + 11.4 (SD) with age range of 24-72 years. Mean age for control was 49.21 + 9.25 with age range of 24-70 years. There were no significant differences between the mean ages of the two groups.