Department of Medical Laboratory Science

Decoding the Natural Killer Cell Enigma: A Review

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Decoding the Natural Killer Cell Enigma: A Review GAMDE, Solomon Mathias; MICHELLE, Ogidiagba Stephanie; ABRIBA, Simon Peter Background: While the liver’s hepatocytes and Kupffer cells are prominent foci of study, the distinct and relatively uncharted roles played by the natural killer cells in liver immunity provide fertile ground for exploration. In this review paper, we have tried to uncover the unique phenotypic and functional attributes of liver-resident natural killer cells, consequently establishing a profound connection between liver immunology and histopathology. Objective: This review aims to provide an overview of the phenotypic and functional properties of the liver-resident natural killer cells, giving insight on the immunological and histological repercussions of their interactions during liver infections, inflammation, and hepatocellular cancer. Methods: In this review, published papers in electronic databases comprising PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were retrieved using search themes such as immunological cells, natural killer cell, liver inflammation, and liver cell were examined. Results: The liver-resident natural killer cells are potent producers of cytokines, including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and modulate the phenotype and function of hepatic macrophages, enhancing their antimicrobial activity, as well as influence the activation and cytotoxic function of CD8+ T cells, particularly during chronic liver inflammation. Conclusion: Our review underscores the undeniable significance of the natural killer cells in the liver defence and highlighted the challenges and constraints researchers encounter when studying the liver natural killer cells. Continued research endeavour are necessary to harness the full capabilities of the natural killer cells, ultimately leading to better insights, innovative therapies, and enhanced protection for the liver, and by extension, the entire body.

Knowledge of Cervical Cancer among Femal in North Central Nigeria

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Knowledge of Cervical Cancer among Femal in North Central Nigeria Abriba, Simon P.; Gamde M. S., Solomom M. Background: Cervical cancer is a major cause of mortality among women of reproductive age group despite several measures initiated to halt the disease. Organized cytology-based screening is an effective technique in reducing the incidence and mortality of the disease. However, some women do not know what the screening is for. This study examined the knowledge on cervical cancer among women in North Central Nigeria. Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 242 females of age group 15 -55 years using an explorative structured questionnaire-base method from October - December 2023. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for analysis. Results: The study found that 76.9% of the study population had never gone for cervical screening and the majority who are willing (60.2%) do not know when and where to get a screening test. The access to cervical cancer screening services is a major difficulty in the community. In addition, majority (93.8%) participants who held a higher education certificate or were currently pursuing an undergraduate degree, lack a clear understanding of the risk factors of cervical cancer and HPV vaccine. Conclusions: There is paucity of knowledge of the risk factors of cervical cancer among the study participants. To improve the knowledge, we advocated for awareness campaigns and affordable cervical cancer screening services. Keywords: Cervical screening, Demographic factors, HPV vaccination, Nigeria

Decoding the Natural Killer Cell Enigma: A Review

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Decoding the Natural Killer Cell Enigma: A Review Abriba, Simon P.; Gamde, Solomom M.; Ogidiagba S. M., Stephanie M. Background: While the liver’s hepatocytes and Kupffer cells are prominent foci of study, the distinct and relatively uncharted roles played by the natural killer cells in liver immunity provide fertile ground for exploration. In this review paper, we have tried to uncover the unique phenotypic and functional attributes of liver-resident natural killer cells, consequently establishing a profound connection between liver immunology and histopathology. Objective: This review aims to provide an overview of the phenotypic and functional properties of the liver-resident natural killer cells, giving insight on the immunological and histological repercussions of their interactions during liver infections, inflammation, and hepatocellular cancer. Methods: In this review, published papers in electronic databases comprising PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were retrieved using search themes such as immunological cells, natural killer cell, liver inflammation, and liver cell were examined. Results: The liver-resident natural killer cells are potent producers of cytokines, including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and modulate the phenotype and function of hepatic macrophages, enhancing their antimicrobial activity, as well as influence the activation and cytotoxic function of CD8+ T cells, particularly during chronic liver inflammation. Conclusion: Our review underscores the undeniable significance of the natural killer cells in the liver defence and highlighted the challenges and constraints researchers encounter when studying the liver natural killer cells. Continued research endeavour are necessary to harness the full capabilities of the natural killer cells, ultimately leading to better insights, innovative therapies, and enhanced protection for the liver, and by extension, the entire body.

MOLECULAR CHARACTERISATION OF HOOKWORM DETECTED FROM PEASANT FARMERS IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

MOLECULAR CHARACTERISATION OF HOOKWORM DETECTED FROM PEASANT FARMERS IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA CHOCK, Jesse J. This study aimed at detecting the human hookworm species among peasant farmers in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A cross sectional, descriptive study was carried out between November 2014 and October 2015. One thousand two hundred eligible peasant farmers were enrolled in the study. One LGA was selected from each of the three Senatorial Zones of Kaduna State by simple random sampling method. The results obtained showed the overall prevalence of hookworm infection in the study population using microscopy technique to be 18.7%. In respect to LGA, prevalence of hookworm infection was 24.0% in Jema‟a, 17.3% in Chikun and 14.8% in Zaria LGA. The prevalence of hookworm infection was found to be significantly associated with the studied LGAs (P< 0.002). The result of the electrophoresis of 15 amplicons obtained from 15 positive stool samples from the three selected LGAs showed a corresponding base pair bands of 310bp which corresponds with the base pair of the N. americanus positive control. The result of the sequencing and basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) obtained showed that Sequence of Sample No. 5 from Zaria LGA had 95% identity with that of N. americanus, sequence of Sample No. 10 from Chikun LGA had 99% identity with that of N. americanus and finally sequence of Sample No.15 from Jema‟a LGA also gave a similar correlation of 97% as that of N. americanus. The result of the specie specific identification of the two human hookworm species (i.e. N. americanus and A. duodenale) obtained shows that N. americanus was predominant in the study area (Kaduna State, Nigeria) during the study. The results of this study indicated an overall prevalence rate of hookworm infection of 18.7% among peasant farmers in Kaduna State. This indicates a potential risk of severe anaemia among individuals particularly the vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children of school age who participate in farming. In conclusion, this study revealed the transmission of human hookworm among peasant farmers in Kaduna State to be at alarming rate. Thus, major prevention and control measures should be adopted to avoid further spread of the infection; and more so, there is a need for prompt treatment of the infected persons as well as creating a law that will prohibit indiscriminate defeacation on farm lands.