Introduction diabetes mellitus can lead to complications including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) is a test of glycaemic control in T2DM patients, and its association with CVD can be mediated through modulation of risk factors such as dyslipidaemia. It is suggested that correlation of HbA1c with blood lipids may enable its use as a dual marker for glycaemic status and dyslipidaemia. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between glycaemic control and blood lipid concentrations in T2DM patients. Methods a cross-sectional study of T2DM patients at Enugu, Nigeria. After obtaining informed consent, questionnaires were administered, and then venous blood was collected for determination of HbA1c and fasting lipid profile. Student T-test was used to compare mean results of two groups and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine relationships. A p-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results fifty -five (55) T2DM patients comprising of 24 females and 31 males, with mean±SD age 57±12 years were studied. Prevalence of patients with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c≥7%) was 34 (61.8%). More males (36.4%) than females (25.4%) had poor glycaemic control. There was a positive, statistically significant correlation between HbA1c and TC (r=0.406); Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) (r=0.409); and triglyceride (TG) (r=0.273), p<0.05. Correlation between HbA1c and HDL-C was negative (r=-0.269, p<0.05). Conclusion the significant correlation between HbA1c and various lipid parameters may suggest the importance of glycaemic control as well as managing dyslipidaemia in the reduction of risk for CVD in T2DM patients, for which HbA1c may be used to monitor both, thereby reducing cost.

The study investigated phytochemical, antihyperglycaemic and lipid profile effects of methanol extract fraction of Ricinus comminus seeds in alloxan induced diabetic male Wistar albino rats alloxan. Eighteen mice were used for the lethal dose (LD 50 ) study while 54 Wistar albino male rats were used for the antihyperglycaemic and lipid profile, respectively. The result of the phytochemical analysis showed the richness of the extract in important phytochemicals that could confer some health benefits. The methanol extract fraction had LD 50 >5000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., which indicate that the extract was safe to larger extent. The baseline blood glucose concentration showed non-diabetic glucose level 105.10±4.61 mg dLG 1 . Diabetes was induced with alloxan monohydrate. Significant decrease (p<0.05) in blood glucose levels in the test animals were observed when compared with positive control. The extract had significant effect on the blood glucose levels and lipid profile of the treated rats closer to that of the standard drug (metformin) with the serum total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels decreasing significantly (p<0.05) in all test groups relative to positive control. However, serum HDL showed significant increase (p<0.05) in group 4 and 5 when compared with positive control. The results of the study showed that the methanol extract fraction of Ricinus communis seeds exhibited significant antihyperglycaemic activities against alloxan induced diabetes in Wistar albino rats. It suggests that the methanol extract fraction possess bioactive compounds that when properly harnessed could help in improving the health state of diabetic patients.

No abstract

Previous studies have reported various health benefits of virgin coconut oil (VCO) such as weight management, treatment of burns, infections, improve phagocytic activity, etc. The present study was conducted to investigate the anti-ulcer and hematological properties of VCO against indomethacininduced gastric ulcers using rat model. Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were used for the study and were divided into 6 groups of 4 rats each. Group 1 rats served as the normal control; group 2 (positive control) rats were administered indomethacin only, at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. Group 3 rats were treated with a standard drug (cimetidine) at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. Groups 4 (3 ml/kg body weight VCO), 5 (6 ml/kg body weight VCO) and 6 (9 ml/kg body weight VCO) rats were treated as stated. The gastric juice volume of group 6 showed a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the gastric juice volume when compared with the positive control group. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count of VCO treated groups 4, 5 and 6 when compared with the positive control. Nonetheless, there was a significant decrease in the HDL-cholesterol, TAG concentration and total cholesterol level of the tests groups 4, 5 and 6 when compared with the positive control. Histological findings revealed that stomach sections of rats in groups 4 and 5 showed moderate widespread mucosal necrosis and ulceration, while that of group 6 rats showed focal area of mucosal ulceration with evidence of healing by fibrosis when compared with the positive control. The findings of this research revealed that VCO possesses ulcer ameliorative properties and could therefore be used for the treatment of gastric ulcers.

No abstract