Lipase present in the seeds of Jatropha curcas L. was isolated and some of its properties studied. Lipase activity was detected in both dormant and germinating seeds. The lipase was partially purified using a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation and ultrafiltration, which increased the relative activity of the lipase by 28-and 80-fold, respectively. The lipase hydrolyzed palm kernel, coconut, and olive oils at comparable rates (approximately 5 µg FFA/µg protein/min); palm-Raphia hookeri and Jatropha curcas L.-oils at about twice the rate of the first group of oils; and palm and fish oils at a higher rate than all other oils. The lipase, however, had the highest activity with monoolein. Optimal pH and temperature for maximal lipase activity were 7.5 and 37°C, respectively. The addition of ferric ion (15 mM) to the lipase assay medium caused 90% inhibition of lipase activity, whereas calcium and magnesium ions enhanced lipase activity by 130 and 30%, respectively.

Cocoa butter-like fats were prepared from refined, bleached, and deodorized palm oil (RBD-PO) and fully hydrogenated soybean oil (HSO) by enzymatic interesterification at various weight ratios of substrates. The cocoa butter-like fats were isolated from the crude interesterification mixture by fractional crystallization from acetone. Analysis of these fat products by RP-HPLC in combination with ELSD or MS detection showed that their TAG distributions were similar to that of cocoa butter but that they also contained MAG and DAG, which were removed by silica chromatography. The optimal weight ratio of RBD-PO to HSO found to produce a fat product containing the major TAG component of cocoa butter, namely, 1(3)-palmitoyl-3(1)-stearoyl-2-monoolein (POS), was 1.6:1. The m.p. of this purified product as determined by DSC was comparable to the m.p. of cocoa butter, and its yield was 45% based on the weight of the original substrates. FIG. 2. DSC chromatograms for purified interesterified palm oil and hydrogenated soy oil blend B 2 (A) and cocoa butter (B).

Oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters correlate with sickle cell disease nephropathy.

Proteinuria which is a marker of renal insufficiency is common among adult SCA patients, and routine screening for proteinuria may help detect those at increased risk of renal disease. CKD prevalence is high among SCA patients with significant proteinuria.

Background/Objective: Endocrinologic disorders and infertility are common all over the world; the prevalence of infertility is high in sub-Saharan Africa. Several authors have suggested that the increased incidence of infertility in Africa is due to high prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. To evaluate the contributions of endocrine abnormalities to infertility in the male in Kano, Northern Nigeria. Methods: A total of five hundred males, aged between 28 and 56 years were evaluated over a period of 4 years (2001 -2004).The hormones were analyzed using electrochemiluminescene immunoassay technique. Results: Hormonal abnormalities were detected in 22% oligospermic, 40.7% severe oligospermic, and 42.7% azoospermic subjects. Conclusion: Endocrine abnormalities are common in the infertile males. The reason for the observed endocrinopathies is not known, appropriate laboratory investigations are essential for effective patients management. Further study to ascertain the cause(s) of hormonal derangements is suggested.Key words: Male, infertility, endocrine abnormalities Résumé Introduction/Objectif: Troubles endocrinologiques et la stérilité sont ordinaires dans le monde entier, la fréquence de la stérilité est élevée dans l'Afrique sous Saharian. Plusieurs auteurs avaient suggéré que l'augmentation dans la fréquence de la stérilité en Afrique est provoquée par la fréquence élevée des maladies sexuellement transmissibles. Afin d'étudier la contribution des abnormalités endocrines à la stérilité chez le sexe masculin à Kano, Nigéria du Nord. Méthode: Un total de cinq cents sujets du sexe masculin âgé entre 28 et 56 ans ont été étudiés au cours d'une période de 4 ans (2001)(2002)(2003)(2004) les hormones ont été analysés à travers la technique d' électrochémiluminescene immunoassay. Résultats: Abnormalités hormonales ont été notées chez 22% oligospermiques, 40,7% oligospermique grave, et 42,7% sujets azoospermiques. Conclusion: Abnormalités endocrine est ordinaire dans la stérile du sexe masculin. La raison pour cette observation endocrinopathies n'est pas connue, des enquiêtes laboratoires adéquates sont enssentielles pour la prise en charge efficace des patients. Des études supplementaires afin de savoir les cause de dérangements hormonaux sont exigées.