Programme: BIochemistry

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Here you will find works strictly related to Biochemistry

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A ReviewofNovelCancerTherapeuticsandCurrent Research Trends
(Wiley The Scientific World Journal Volume 2025, 2025) Oluwajembola, Abimbola Mary; Zakari, Suleiman; Cleanclay, Wisdom D.; Ayeni, Timothy; Adebosoye, Adewale; Okoh, Olayinka S.; Folamade, Joshua; Bawa, Inalegwu; Ogunlana, OlubankeOlujoke
The uncheckedgrowthandspreadofaberrantcellsdescribeawidelydiversecollectionofdisordersthatcollectivelyconstitute cancer. Conventionaltherapiesforcancer,includingradiationtherapy,chemotherapy,andsurgery,haveincreasedthechances of survivalsignificantly inmostpatients.Thesetraditionalmethodsusuallyresultinlowtumorortumorcellspecificity, significant systemictoxicity,andthedevelopmentofdrugresistance.Thisreviewsummarizesupdatesincancertherapy,some of whichincludecutting-edgetherapiesrepresentedbyCAR-Ttherapy,targetedtherapies,genetherapy,arginine-depriving therapy, mitochondria-targetedtherapies,neutrophil-targetedtherapies,andthelatestPROTACtechnologyforproteolysis- targeting chimera.Ithasemphasizedmechanismsunderlyingthesenewtherapeuticstrategiesandtheirtranslationalpotential for treatinghumancancers.Wefurtherdiscuss,foreachapproach,thechallenges,limitations,sideeffects, anddelivery systems. Thereviewproceedswithadynamicchangeinthelandscapeofcancerresearchinbiology,wheremachinelearning and artificial intelligenceareincreasinglyimportanttoimproveourunderstandingofthemechanismsofcancerandtreatment responses. Wealsodescribethepotentialofstemcelltherapy,metabolomics,andnoveldrugdeliverysystemstowardbetter patient outcomes.Thepaperpullstogethersomeofthecurrentresearch findings andresultsofclinicaltrialsinnew therapeutic developmentsandemergingareasofresearchthatholdoutexcitingpromisesforthefutureprogressofcancer treatment
Abstract 1310: Social determinants of migrant health factors impacting prostate cancer care and survivorship among sub-Saharan African immigrant men diagnosed with prostate cancer
(Volume 84, Issue 6_Supplement POSTER PRESENTATIONS - PROFFERED ABSTRACTS, 2024-03-15) Kaninjing, Ernest; Asiedu, Gladys; Voorhis, Kaitlin Va; Young, Mary Ellen; Erefah, Ebenezer; Agboola, Emmanuel; Odedina, Folakemi; Dronca, Roxana S.; Ashing, Kimlin; Rotimi, Solomon; Ngufor, Che; Merriweather, Arnola; McCall, John; Hill, Anthony
Abstract 2230: Connecting Black men to point of prostate cancer diagnosis (PPCD) support using precision intervention based on Virtual Reality Assistant (ViRA)
(Volume 84, Issue 6_Supplement POSTER PRESENTATIONS - PROFFERED ABSTRACTS, 2024-03-15) Odedina, Folakemi T.; Ngufor, Che; Merriweather, Arnold; Pereira, Deidre; Dronca, Roxana S.; Kaninjing, Ernest; Ashing, Kimlin; Rotimi, Solomon; Gordon, Vinessa
Background: The point of prostate cancer (CaP) diagnosis (PPCD) instantly leads to a life changing experience for Black men, with diverse emotional reactions that includes fear, denial, overwhelmingness, cancer fatalism etc. Black men diagnosed with CaP expressed several needs at the PPCD, including time to reflect on the diagnosis, being comfortable, emotional support, psycho-oncology support and social determinants of health (SDOH) navigation. Given that Black men are diverse in terms of their needs at the PPCD, precision intervention is needed to support them. Aim: The aim was to develop, implement, and establish the acceptance and usability of a Virtual Reality Assistant (ViRA) that will provide precision intervention tailored to the needs of Black men at the PPCD. This study is one of the five iCCaRE for Black Men projects focused on survivorship care. Methodology: The development of the ViRA was guided by CaP survivors through qualitative study. Reflective, analytic, and interpretive memos were used to generate action plans for the development of the ViRA. Based on a comprehensive PPCD ViRA intervention guide created by the team, the ViRA prototype was developed with mobile immersive technologies that integrated SDOH navigation, standard CaP psycho oncology support and emotional support. The goal was to have the intervention personalized to everyone based on participant-provided information. Alpha testing of the ViRA is ongoing and will be completed on November 20, 2023. Participants are three prostate cancer survivors and three clinicians. The assessments will confirm the accuracy of the ViRA predictions and the functionality of the ViRA. Results: We developed the ViRA SDOH screening and navigation tool to identify participants’ needs and appropriately connect them with relevant support services and resources in their communities. The emotional support intervention was based on four CaP survivors as virtual reality avatars, providing empathetic rapport through self disclosure and sharing of survivorship stories in different settings (home, clinic, barbershop etc). The psycho-oncology support intervention was developed with the guidance of a psycho-oncologist, with her avatar providing psychoeducation about the PPCD experience, reify and concretize the PPCD experience, and foster hope using the basic tenets of Problem-Solving Therapy. The results of the alpha testing and the modified ViRA will be presented during the conference. Conclusion: Meeting the needs of Black men at the PPCD requires a personalized and decentralized approach, which would allow Black men to access support anywhere. The presentation will unveil the iCCaRE ViRA, a smart and connected personalized AR enabled intervention that will deliver SDOH navigation, CaP psycho-oncology support and emotional support tailored to the needs of Black men.
Abstract 3455: Prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in a Western Nigerian population
(Volume 84, Issue 6_Supplement POSTER PRESENTATIONS - PROFFERED ABSTRACTS, 2024-03-15) Vachon, Celine M; Allmer, Cristine; Moonen, Danelle; Norman, Aaron; Cook, Joselle; Slager, Susan; Rotimi, Oluwakemi A.; De Campos, Opeyemi C; Dokumu, Titilope M.; Murray, David; Kumar, Shaji; Brown, Elizabeth; Baughnm, Linda B; Rotimi, Solomon
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a premalignant condition characterized by plasma cell production of monoclonal (M) protein and is a requisite precursor to multiple myeloma (MM). African American (AA) individuals have a two-fold higher incidence of MGUS and MM compared to White individuals. However, data are limited on individuals from Africa, especially using sensitive MGUS detection methods. We examined the prevalence of MGUS in a sample of the general population in Nigeria. Individuals aged 40 and over (n=343) were recruited through health promotion events in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria, and provided informed consent, a blood sample, and a short questionnaire. Serum was screened at Mayo Clinic for heavy chain (HC)-MGUS using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (Mass-Fix) assay, which has high sensitivity for detection of M-proteins; serum free light chains (FLC) were also measured. FLC was abnormal if the kappa (>0.26 mg/dL) or lambda (>0.33 mg/dL) light chain (LC) was elevated and FLC ratio (kappa/lambda) was outside the reference range (0.26-3.10). LC-MGUS was defined as an abnormal FLC in the absence of a HC. Age- and sex adjusted prevalence rates were directly standardized to 2010 United States (US) population for comparison to published studies. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of age, sex, and BMI with HC-MGUS. The mean age of participants was 55 years (SD=10.9), and 74.6% were female. Of these, 216 (63%) had both parents from the Yoruba tribe, 89 (26%) from the Igbo tribe and 38 (11%) from other tribes. Overall, 33 participants (9.6%) had HC-MGUS, with 8 (2.3%) having an M protein above 0.2 g/dL; 6 (1.7%) had LC-MGUS. HC-MGUS was predominantly IgG isotype (48.5%), followed by IgA (27.3%), biclonal (15.2%) and IgM (9.0%). Prevalence of HC-MGUS was 8.3% for ages 40-49, 7.7% ages 50-69 and 22% ages 70 and above. Standardized to the US population, age and sex adjusted MGUS prevalence ages 50 and older was 17.3% (95% CI: 9.8%-24.9%) and HC-MGUS was 14.7% (95% CI: 7.7% 21.8%), similar to previously published rates of HC-MGUS using Mass-Fix screening of AA individuals (16.5%, 95% CI: 12.2%-20.8%) (PMID: 35316833). In models that included age, sex and BMI, older age was positively associated with HC-MGUS (OR=3.1, 95% CI: 1.1-8.7 for ages 70+ compared to <50), while female sex (OR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.24-1.2) and overweight/obesity (OR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.16-0.75 for BMI > 25 vs. <25) were inversely associated with HC-MGUS. We observed similar prevalence of HC MGUS at ages 50 and above among Western Nigerian and AA populations when screened using mass-spectrometry. Older age was positively associated with HC MGUS while overweight and obesity were inversely associated. Studies of MGUS in indigenous African populations may provide insight to unique cancer risk factors compared to other populations.
Abstract 4343: Revealing ovarian cancer copy number variation in single cells
(American Association for Cancer Research Cancer Res (2024) 84 (6_Supplement): 4343, 2024-03-15) Jin, Yuxin; Bassiouni, Rania; Rania, Lee D.; Qian, Jing; Rotimi, Solomon; Webb, Michelle G.; Rajpara, Seeta; Craig, David W.; Roman, Lynda D.; Carpten, John D.
The mortality rate associated with ovarian cancer (OvCa) is disproportionately high in comparison to its incidence rate. This is partly due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease, which reduces treatment efficacy and contributes to high rates of relapse and chemotherapy resistance. Most OvCa are epithelial in origin and can be classified into four main subtypes: serous, mucinous, endometrioid, and clear cell. Of these, high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the deadliest. Epithelial ovarian carcinomas (EOC) typically exhibit widespread chromosomal and arm-level copy number abnormalities across most of the genome; in HGSOC, focal amplifications and microdeletions are especially prevalent and indicative of high genomic instability. To understand the heterogeneity of aneuploidy in EOC and HGSOC, we performe single-cell whole genome sequencing on four EOC samples: two HGSOC, one clear cell, and one mixed clear cell and endometrioid. All samples were late stage and treatment naïve, and one sample had a known BRCA2 mutation. Sequencing data was processed by two complementary methods to call copy number alterations. First, we used the Cell Ranger DNA pipeline (10x Genomics) to align cell-identified sequencing reads to human reference genome GRCh38 for coverage-based copy number estimation. Resulting copy number calls were cleaned up for mappability, quality, and noisiness. Each sample was then subject to clustering and subclustering analysis using maximum likelihood genetic clustering algorithms. All samples exhibited a high level of aneuploidy, including characteristic alterations known to be associated with EOC. Two tumors contained readily distinguishable clonal populations, and all samples contained main tumor clones that could be further divided by unique subclonal characteristics. Evidence of polyploidy was also seen in all four specimens, with some tumor clusters exhibiting triploid and tetraploid baselines. In parallel, sequencing data was analyzed by the Copy-number Haplotype Inference in Single-cell by Evolutionary Links (CHISEL) algorithm. CHISEL utilizes both binned read depth ratio and B-allele frequency data to determine allele- and haplotype-specific copy numbers in single cells. Results from CHISEL confirmed the copy number calls from Cell Ranger DNA, and revealed widespread loss of heterozygosity in all samples. These findings were corroborated with allele-specific copy number data derived from matched tumor-normal whole exome sequencing. Furthermore, CHISEL detected polyploidy in one-third of the tumor cells with no preference for the A or B alleles. Overall, our findings highlight that the known heterogeneity of ovarian cancer extends to the level of aneuploidy and CNAs, shedding light on factors which pose significant barriers to effective personalized medicine implementation.
Abstract 6346: The chromatin remodeler SMARCA5 selectively shapes nuclear receptor signaling in African American prostate cancer
(Cancer Res (2025) 85 (8_Supplement_1):, 2025-04-15) Hussain, Shahid; Nayak, Debasis; Wani, Sajad A.; Elhussin, Isra; Freeman, Michael R.; Coss, Christopher C.; Rotimi, Solomon O; Murphy, Adam R.; Yates. Clayton; Campbell, Moray J.
Motif enrichment in H3K27ac revealed significant differences with Helix-Loop-Helix motifs enriched in RC43N compared to HPr1AR; and STAT motifs enriched in RC43T compared to LNCaP. Similarly, nuclear receptor (NR) motifs were distinct with vitamin D receptor (VDR) and orphan receptors (e.g., RORG) enriched in RC43T compared to LNCaP. Next we up-regulated SMARCA5’s using dCas9-VP64-activator in the same cells and tested the impact on gene expression with RNA-Seq following treatment with the VDR ligand (1, 25(OH)2D3, 100nM). SMARCA5 regulated ∼1200 genes in both RC43T and RC77T, and only ∼200 genes in LNCaP. The SMARCA5-dependent genes in AA PCa cells models were significantly enriched for luminal-differentiation genes. Likewise, in the AA compared to EA PCa models, GSEA analyses revealed enrichment for inflammation responses, and distinct NR signaling, such as progesterone signaling. Likewise LISA analyses revealed enrichment in the SMARCA5-dependent genes in AA PCa for progesterone signaling. Finally, we also identified a subset of miRNA related to differentiation that were uniquely regulated in AA PCa models by 1, 25(OH)2D3 and a significant number were also SMARCA5-dependent. Ongoing studies are addressing the effect of SMARCA5 on chromatin accessibility using ATAC-Seq. Overall, these studies support the concept the epigenome is shaped by genomic ancestry. The epigenomic-regulator SMARCA5 is significantly downregulated in AA PCa and impacts NRs, including VDR signaling. These findings suggest that African ancestry shapes SMARCA5 functions, NR signaling, and tumor outcomes.
Abstract 819: Feasibility of patient centered home care (PCHC) to reduce disparities in high-risk black men with advanced prostate cancer
(Volume 84, Issue 6_Supplement POSTER PRESENTATIONS - PROFFERED ABSTRACTS, 2024-03-15) Dronca, Roxana S.; Odedina, Folakemi; Ngufor, Che; Ashing, Kimlin; Kaninjing, Ernest; Rotimi, Solomon
The objective of our study is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptance, and impact of patient-centered home care (PCHC) on patient reported outcomes (PROs) and health related quality of life (HQoL) of black men with advanced prostate cancer (CaP). Meeting patients where they are and offering treatment in or closer to their homes reduce psychological distress and increase treatment compliance, especially for disadvantaged patients in rural areas, those on low incomes, with poor access to transport, elderly and people with disabilities. In 2023, Mayo Clinic has developed the Cancer Care Beyond Walls (CCBW) program, a cancer care delivery model that integrates virtual with in facility treatment and provides a package of care to support administration of cancer-directed therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy) and/or supportive care in the patients’ homes. Our study will assess if patients and families are comfortable with cancer therapy at home, what factors influences their decision, and use this data to inform our understanding of the proportion of the black men with advanced CaP who would be willing to receive and would benefit from this level of care at home. Patients with advanced CaP from our practice requiring active anti-cancer therapy are administered a brief questionnaire regarding preference for location of therapy at the infusion center or in the home, with perceived difficulties and advantages of each approach. A focus group session with prostate cancer survivor advocates is also conducted to capture patients’ thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and questions towards cancer treatments being administered at home versus a hospital setting. In addition, we are conducting an observational study of 20 patients with advanced prostate cancer receiving supportive care/symptom management and/or anti cancer therapy in the home as part of the Mayo Clinic CCBW Program to assess the safety of cancer directed therapy when administered at home by a home health provider with remote patient monitoring and command center support, and establish the impact of home cancer treatment administration on patient-reported function and global health/quality of life, patient-reported symptoms, clinical outcomes, and cost of care. Successful completion of the project will deliver data on patient understanding and acceptability of cancer care at home, strategies for overcoming barriers to care for underserved communities, and the foundation from which we discover, translate and apply new knowledge in administering personalized care to vulnerable populations.
Abstract 999: Spectrum of germline BRCA1/2 gene mutations in Nigerian breast cancer patients
(Cancer Res (2025) 85 (8_Supplement_1), 2025) Onyia, Abimbola F; Jibrin, Paul; Olatunji-Agunbiade, Temitope; Oyekan, Ademola; Lawal, AbdulRazzaq; Alabi, Adewumi; Sowunm, Anthonia C.; Aje, Eben A.; Ogunniyi, Oluwabusayo B.; Nkom, Ebenezer S.; De Campos, Opeyemi C; Rotimi, Oluwakemi A.; Oyelade, Jelili O.; Rotimi, Solomon O.
Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Nigerian women, with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) being the most prevalent. The TNBC subtype is characterized by mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and germline pathogenic carriers of these mutations have an increased risk for BC. Despite these challenges, the prevalence and spectrum of BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants in the Nigerian population differ, and there is a margin in the local capacity to characterize these variations. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and characterize germline variations in BRCA 1/2 genes in Nigerian BC patients and healthy aged-matched controls to understand the genetic risk profiles of BC in this population. Forty-five BC patients were recruited across four major hospitals in Nigeria and aged-matched with 51 healthy female controls. DNA was extracted from blood samples, followed by targeted sequencing of BRCA 1/2 intronic and exonic regions using the Ampliseq for BRCA panel and the Illumina Miseq Platform. Variant calling was performed, and the clinical significance of identified variants was evaluated on the ClinVar and BRCA exchange databases. Variants of unknown significance (VUS) were assessed using known in silico prediction software, and haplotype analysis was carried out using the Haploview 4.2 software. Pathogenic variants were identified in 6.7% of cases, all exclusive to BC patients. These variants included two BRCA1 variants (3: c.133_134delAA (p.Lys45fs) and c.5324T>A (21: p.Met1775Lys), and one BRCA 2 variant (22: c.8817_8820del (p.Lys2939fs) all found in patients with the TNBC subtype. Additionally, 97 benign or likely benign BRCA1/2 variants were found in both BC and control groups, with notable variants such as the rs799917 identified as a surrogate indicator of ancestry. Eighteen VUS were identified, with four predicted to be damaging by three in silico prediction software. The results of haplotype analysis identified distinct BC haplotypes in Nigerian BC patients. The identification of BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants in Nigerian BC patients, especially those with TNBC, suggests a potential for targeted therapies, such as PARP inhibitors, to improve treatment outcomes in this population. This further highlights the need for increased population-specific screening and the integration of genetic screening into BC management strategies, which could facilitate early detection, personalized treatment plans, and genetic counseling for Nigerian BC patients.
Abstract 999: Spectrum of germline BRCA1/2 gene mutations in Nigerian breast cancer patients
(Cancer Res (2025) 85 (8_Supplement_1):, 2025-04-21) Onyia, Abimbola F.; Jibrin, Paul; Olatunji-Agunbiade, Temitope; Oyekan, Ademola; Lawal, AbdulRazzaq; Alabi, Adewumi; Sowunmi, Anthonia C.; Aje, Eben A.; Ogunniyi, Oluwabusayo B.; Nkom, Ebenezer S.; De Campos, Opeyemi C.; Rotimi, Oluwakemi A.; Oyelade, Jelili O.; Rotimi, Solomon O.
Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Nigerian women, with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) being the most prevalent. The TNBC subtype is characterized by mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and germline pathogenic carriers of these mutations have an increased risk for BC. Despite these challenges, the prevalence and spectrum of BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants in the Nigerian population differ, and there is a margin in the local capacity to characterize these variations. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and characterize germline variations in BRCA 1/2 genes in Nigerian BC patients and healthy aged-matched controls to understand the genetic risk profiles of BC in this population. Forty-five BC patients were recruited across four major hospitals in Nigeria and aged-matched with 51 healthy female controls. DNA was extracted from blood samples, followed by targeted sequencing of BRCA 1/2 intronic and exonic regions using the Ampliseq for BRCA panel and the Illumina Miseq Platform. Variant calling was performed, and the clinical significance of identified variants was evaluated on the ClinVar and BRCA exchange databases. Variants of unknown significance (VUS) were assessed using known in silico prediction software, and haplotype analysis was carried out using the Haploview 4.2 software. Pathogenic variants were identified in 6.7% of cases, all exclusive to BC patients. These variants included two BRCA1 variants (3: c.133_134delAA (p.Lys45fs) and c.5324T>A (21: p.Met1775Lys), and one BRCA 2 variant (22: c.8817_8820del (p.Lys2939fs) all found in patients with the TNBC subtype. Additionally, 97 benign or likely benign BRCA1/2 variants were found in both BC and control groups, with notable variants such as the rs799917 identified as a surrogate indicator of ancestry. Eighteen VUS were identified, with four predicted to be damaging by three in silico prediction software. The results of haplotype analysis identified distinct BC haplotypes in Nigerian BC patients. The identification of BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants in Nigerian BC patients, especially those with TNBC, suggests a potential for targeted therapies, such as PARP inhibitors, to improve treatment outcomes in this population. This further highlights the need for increased population-specific screening and the integration of genetic screening into BC management strategies, which could facilitate early detection, personalized treatment plans, and genetic counseling for Nigerian BC patients.
Acute oral toxicity and antimalarial studies of 7-[(7-methoxy- 4,5-dihydro-1H-benzo[g]indazol-3-yl)carbonyl]-2-phenyl- 5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidin-9 (1H)-one in mouse models
(Scientific African, 2024) Oladejo, David O; Dokunmu, Titilope M; Tebamifor, Mercy E; Omunagbe, Mercy B; Okafor, Esther O; Iweala, Emeka Joshua
Advancements in Biomarkers of Prostate Cancer: A Review
(2024) Agbetuyi-Tayo, Praise; Gbadebo, Mary; Rotimi, OluwakemiA.; Rotim, Solomon O
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers among men, particularly affecting men of African descent and contributing significantly to cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. The disease varies widely, from slow-devel oping forms to highly aggressive or potentially fatal variants. Accurate risk stratification is crucial for making therapeutic decisions and designing adequate clinical trials. This review assesses a broad spectrum of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, many of which are incorporated into clinical guidelines, including the Prostate Health Index (PHI), 4Kscore, STHLM3, PCA3, SelectMDx, ExoDx Prostate Intelliscore (EPI), and MiPS. It also highlights emerging biomarkers with preclinical support, such as urinary non-coding RNAs and DNA methylation patterns. Additionally, the review explores the role of tumor-associated microbiota in PCa, offering new insights into its potential contributions to disease understanding. By examining the latest advance ments in PCa biomarkers, this review enhances understanding their roles in disease management.
Advancements in Biomarkers of Prostate Cancer: A Review
(Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment Volume 23, 2024) Agbetuyi-Tayo, Praise; Gbadebo, Mary; Rotimi, Oluwakemi A.; Rotimi, SolomonO.
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers among men, particularly affecting men of African descent and contributing significantly to cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. The disease varies widely, from slow-developing forms to highly aggressive or potentially fatal variants. Accurate risk stratification is crucial for making therapeutic decisions and designing adequate clinical trials. This review assesses a broad spectrum of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, many of which are incorporated into clinical guidelines, including the Prostate Health Index (PHI), 4Kscore, STHLM3, PCA3, SelectMDx, ExoDx Prostate Intelliscore (EPI), and MiPS. It also highlights emerging biomarkers with preclinical support, such as urinary non-coding RNAs and DNA methylation patterns. Additionally, the review explores the role of tumor-associated microbiota in PCa, offering new insights into its potential contributions to disease understanding. By examining the latest advancements in PCa biomarkers, this review enhances understanding their roles in disease management
AGE-DEPENDENTPI3K/AKT/MTOR SIGNALING DYNAMICS REVEAL IMMUNE MICROENVIRONMENT HETEROGENEITY IN NIGERIAN BREAST CANCER SUBTYPES
(Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer: first published a, 2026) Udobi, Magdalene ENO; Chinedu, Shalom Nwodo; Afolabi, Israel Sunmola; Ezike, Kevin Nwabueze; Ikeji, Nwamaka Cynthia; Farombi, benezer Olatunde
Age-specific patterns of breast cancer in Nigerian women unraveled through histological analysis
(Scientific Reports, 2025) Effiong, Magdalene Eno; Chinedu, Shalom Nwodo; Afolabi, Israel Sunmola; Ezike, Kevin Nwabueze; Oguntebi, Emmanuel Eyitayo; Abdul, Oluwasesan Adelowo; Achusi, Izuchukwu Benerdin; Benye, Tolulope Aanuoluwapo; Omunagbe, Mercy Bella; Ogbodo, Peace Nzubechukwu
Sub-Saharan African women face a high burden of breast cancer, influenced by genetic and lifestyle factors. However, the lack of comprehensive, age-stratified data hinders the identification of risk factors and the development of effective, population-specific interventions. This study aimed to assess age-related variations in breast cancer prevalence among Nigerian women, providing insight into associated risk factors and disease trends. A retrospective review of 3,263 breast histopathology records (9.46% of total from 2015 to 2023) was conducted. Lesions—benign and malignant—were analyzed across five age groups: children and adolescents (0–19), young adults (20–39), middle-aged (40–59), higher-aged (60–79), and elderly (≥ 80), using MS Excel and GraphPad Prism 8.0. Statistical comparisons were performed by age and lesion type. Most cases were in young adults (45.97%) and middle-aged women (33.83%). The left breast was more commonly affected (46.86%) and had higher malignancy rates than the right (44.41%) or bilateral lesions (7.20%). Benign lesions were predominant (56.76%), especially among young adults (57.34%). Malignancy incidence increased with age, peaking in middle-aged women (53.30%). Fibroadenoma was the most frequent benign lesion in children and adolescents and young adults, while fibrosis predominated in middle age. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) was the leading malignant subtype, with a sharp rise by 2023—particularly among middle-aged (172 cases) and young adult women (71 cases). Among 339 immunohistochemically profiled cases, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC; 42.77%) and ER+/PR+ tumors (36.87%) were most common. TNBC was the only subtype detected in children and adolescents. Middle-aged women bore the highest burden of all subtypes, with a marked increase in TNBC and ER+/PR+ cases in 2023. The rising incidence of aggressive subtypes, particularly TNBC, highlights the need for enhanced molecular diagnostics and personalized therapies. Age-specific trends reinforce the urgency for targeted screening, especially for young and middle-aged Nigerian women.
ALABI, Kehinde Elizabeth
(Covenant University Ota, 2025)
Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a major health concern, particularly in Nigeria, where incidence and mortality are high. Globally, PCa is a leading malignancy among men. Genetic variations, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), may influence PCa susceptibility and progression. This study investigates the association of three SNPs, rs11549465 (Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1A), rs3211938 (Cluster of Differentiation 36), and rs6152 (Androgen Receptor), with PCa risk and severity in Nigerian men. A case-control study was conducted involving 73 PCa patients and 80 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using the TaqMan assay, and allele and genotype frequencies were calculated. The rs6152 SNP showed a higher frequency of the A/G genotype in cases (24%) than controls (9.7%), with an odds ratio of 4.95 (95% CI: 1.54–17.35; p = 0.0091), suggesting a significant association with increased PCa risk. For rs11549465, the C/T genotype was more prevalent in cases (10.1%) than controls (2.6%), with an OR of 0.24 (95% CI: 0.02–1.33; p = 0.061), indicating a possible protective effect, though not statistically significant. The rs3211938 SNP showed no significant association with PCa risk. No investigated SNP showed a statistically significant association with the Gleason score. For rs11549465, the mean score for C/C was 7.34 compared with 7.75 for C/T (Mann–Whitney U = 66.0, p = 0.673). For rs3211938, T/T had a mean of 7.29 versus 7.64 for G/T (Mann–Whitney U = 199.0, p = 0.407). For rs6152, A/A, A/G, and G/G showed mean scores of 7.36, 6.00, and 7.80, respectively (Kruskal–Wallis H = 1.62, p = 0.445). These findings suggest a significant association between rs6152 and PCa risk in Nigerian men, highlighting the role of genetic factors in susceptibility. Further studies with larger cohorts are warranted to validate these associations and explore their potential in personalised medicine for PCa management in African populations.
Anti-Aging Potential of Bioactive Phytoconstituents Found in Edible Medicinal Plants: A Review
(MDPI, 2024-06) Iweala, Emeka J.; Adurosakin, Oluwapelumi Eniola; Innocent, Ugochukwu; Omonhinmin, Conrad A.; Dania, Omoremime Elizabeth; Ugbogu, Eziuche A.
Aging is a complex biological and physiological change that leads to a loss of function in all living organisms. Although the mechanism behind the aging process is still largely unknown, scientific studies have shown that oxidative stress and age-related low autophagy, which are associated with various chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases, promote aging. Interestingly, many medicinal plants and their biologically active compounds have the ability to extend lifespan as they can inhibit oxidative stress and promote autophagy. This review evaluates and provides up-to-date information on the anti-aging potential of bioactive compounds in edible medicinal plants. In this study, seventeen (17) biologically active compounds from edible medicinal plants with anti-aging effects were reviewed. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that these biologically active compounds exhibit anti-aging effects via various mechanisms such as the activation of autophagy, increases in antioxidant enzymes, reductions in reactive oxygen species, the inhibition of inflammatory markers, and the downregulation of senescence genes. This study suggests that edible medicinal plants containing these bioactive compounds may promote health and extend lifespan. However, the exact mechanisms, effective doses, clinical trials, and chronic and genotoxic effects of bioactive compounds as anti-aging agents should be further investigated.
Anticancer Activity of Ethyl Acetate Fraction and Ethanol Leaf Extract of Olax subscorpioidea against DMBA-Induced Female Rats
(Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research, 2024) Adelegan, Ayodeji A.; Talabi, Azeem A.; Dokunmu, Titilope M; Iweala, Emeka Eze Joshua
Breast cancer continues to be a major contributor to cancer-related deaths in developing nations. Olax subscorpioidea is used in Nigerian traditional medicine as a treatment for cancer. The study examined the effects of Olax subscorpioidea's ethyl acetate fraction (OSEA) and ethanol leaf extract (OSE) on 7,12-Dimethylbenz(α)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The anticancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were evaluated using established procedures. The study involved 40 female Sprague-Dawley rats with an average weight of 110 ± 20 g. The rats were given a dose of 80 mg/kg of DMBA to stimulate proliferation. Subsequently, OSEA, OSE (250 mg/kg BW), and tamoxifen (6.6 mg/kg BW) were administered. The trial spanned a duration of 22 weeks. The study evaluated the impact of the treatment on various aspects such as body weight, organ weight, liver and kidney function, oxidative stress indicators, oestrogen levels, Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Cancer antigen 153 (CA-153), and mammary tissue histology. It was found that body weight, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Reduced glutathione (GSH), liver enzymes, and renal function increased significantly with OSEA and OSE therapy. The levels of oestrogen, IL-6, CA-153, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly. The histological study revealed that OSEA and OSE had a positive impact on acini normalisation and the inhibition of breast ductal cell growth. The study found that OSEA and OSE demonstrated promising effects against cancer, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in rats with DMBA-induced breast cancer. The results offer scientific support for the traditional use of Olax subscorpioidea as a potential natural remedy for breast cancer.
Assessment of Extract from Glucose Oxidase-Cellulase Treated Jute Sticks and Green Amaranth Sticks for the Production of Lignocellulose-Based Bioethanol.
(Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research, 2025, Vol 9, 2025) Fashola, Folake A.; Ibidapo, Olubunmi I; Adaran, Adekunle S; Adebayo, Abiodun H.; Chinedu, Shalom N.
The possibility that some carbohydrate oxidases are capable of catalytically cleaving glycosidic bonds offers the opportunity for glucose oxidase to achieve the depolymerization of agro wastes required in the production of second-generation bioethanol. The present study aimed to ascertain the effect of glucose oxidase and cellulase isolated from Aspergillus sp. on locally sourced jute sticks and green amaranth sticks for the production of bioethanol. The Box Behnken design was employed to assess the effect of the different concentrations of sucrose, waste extracts and pH on fermentation efficiency, ethanol percent yield, and reducing sugar yield. The selected agro wastes were subjected to fiber detergent analysis, ATR-FTIR, XRD, and SEM. The fermentation broth was subjected to ATR-FTIR analysis. Compared to oven-dried jute extract, the maximum ethanol yield was achieved at 72 hours for 50% broth containing oven-dried green amaranth extract by a difference of 65.6%. Optimization using the Box Behnken design resulted in an increased yield of ethanol (198%), fermentation efficiency (3.86%) and reducing sugar yield (27.97%) at the combination of factor levels of 5% (sucrose concentration), 2.5% (oven-dried green amaranth extract concentration) and pH 4.5. The cleaving of glycosidic bonds in the waste samples was revealed by ATR-FTIR and further confirmed by SEM. With the evidence of the characteristic bands associated with the presence of ethanol in the fermentation broth, it was concluded that the inclusion of glucose oxidase at low concentrations in the presence of cellulase supported the release of reducing sugars required for the production of lignocellulose - based bioethanol.
ASSESSMENT OF FGFR2 AND FGFR4 POLYMORPHISMS IN NIGERIAN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-09) OGBODO, Peace Nzubechukwu; Covenant University Dissertation
Breast cancer (BC) persists as the most frequently occurring cancer in females, with a growing incidence percentage in sub-Saharan Africa. BC has been correlated with FGFR2 and FGFR4 genetic variations in different populations. However, the data on Nigerian women are scarce. This study investigated the association of FGFR2 rs1219648 (A>G), FGFR2 rs2981582 (A>G), and FGFR4 rs351855 (G>A) with BC risk in a Nigerian cohort. A case-control design was employed involving 75 BC cases and 75 controls. Using blood samples, genomic DNA was extracted, and SNP genotyping was conducted with the use of TaqMan® allelic discrimination assay. Genotype and allele frequencies comparison was conducted using chi-square, odds ratios, and Fisher’s exact tests. The FGFR2 rs1219648 G allele was significantly more common (48.0%) in cases than controls (35.3%), with the GG genotype conferring a significant increase in risk (OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.07 - 6.64, p = 0.039). FGFR2 rs2981582 showed no significant genotype-level association, but the minor A allele was more common in cases (43.2%) than controls (31.3%) (p = 0.045). FGFR4 rs351855 was not significantly associated with BC. None of the SNPs showed association with tumour immunohistochemical subtypes. The findings identify FGFR2 rs1219648 as a significant risk factor for BC in Nigerian women and highlight the need for larger, multi-centre studies to validate these associations.
Assessment of physicochemical and antibacterial properties of structured water samples from Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
(Scientific African, 2025) Adebayo, Abiodun H.; Obode, Okukwe C.; Adekeye, Bosede T.; Durodola, Bamidele
We investigated the effect of structuring potable water with QNET Amezcua Bio Disc 3 (BD3). Seven water samples, including public tap, borehole, rain, bottled (2 brands), distilled, and sachet water, obtained from Ota, Nigeria, were analyzed for their physicochemical and antibacterial properties. The water samples were placed on the BD3 for 15 and 30 minutes, 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours respectively, with the unstructured water serving as the control. Physicochemical proper ties were evaluated using standard methods described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), elemental analysis was executed using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), while microbial analysis was done using the most probable number method. Results showed that the samples’ appearance, color, taste, and odor were clear, colorless, and unobjectionable. The alkalinity of the sachet (160 ± 2.01mg/l) and bottled (240 ± 1.12mg/l) water samples after treatment with BD3 was enhanced compared to the control sample (124 ± 1.00mg/l). F u r t h e r m o r e, supercharging with BD3 significantly (p<0.05) increased the pH and alkalinity of the water. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in electrical conductance of all structured water samples when compared with the control groups except in sachet and borehole water samples. No significant (p>0.05) effect was observed for total dis solved solids when comparing the structured samples with the control. Most parameters assayed for were within the allowable limits. No heavy metals were detected. Supercharging up to 5 times enhanced the concentrations of calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium ions significantly (p<0.05) across the groups compared to the control samples, while the sodium ion was signifi cantly (p<0.05) reduced as the water samples were serially charged with the BD3. Supercharging of the infected autoclaved distilled water samples significantly (p<0.05) reduced the total viable count at low concentrations of E. coli. In conclusion, BD3 impacts high electrical conductivity on the structured water samples with increased efficacy of solved minerals and a potential anti bacterial effect.