Assessment of Trace Metal Levels In Commonly Edible Vegetables From Selected Markets In Lagos State, Nigeria
Consumption of food contaminated with heavy metals is a major source of health problems for man and animals. Three commonly edible Leafy vegetables (Amaranthus hybridus, Celosia argentea ,Cochorus olitoris) from Agboju and Iba markets , Lagos Nigeria were sampled, identified, digested and analyzed with the aid of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) as directed by APHA (American Public Health Association) to determine heavy metals concentration in them with the aim of ascertaining their edibility for human consumption. The mean concentration for each heavy metal in the samples gotten from each market were calculated, the comparison of these data was done amongst the two markets, and compared with the permissible levels set by the FAO and WHO. The results showed that the levels of Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Zinc, Iron, Nickel, Selenium and Chromium present in the vegetable concentrated in the following order Fe>Pb>Zn>Cd>Ni>Cu>Cr>Se. With regards to vegetables in questions, analysis of variance showed that some vegetables accumulated metals more than each other and as such indicated that metals like copper, cadmium, selenium, iron and zinc are significant at P 0.05). With significant values of lead, cadmium and nickel, recorded in both Amaranthus hybridus and Celosia argentea vegetables, vegetables consumers must be weary of vegetables to buy and the market that is save to buy from, especially markets located very close to highways or close to major busy roads .
Comparative Assessment of Selected Heavy Metals in Some Common Edible Vegetables Sold in Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria
This study comparatively assessed selected heavy metals in some vegetables (viz: Gongronema latifolium, Amaranthus hybridus, Piper guineense, Talinum triangulare, Telfairia occidentalis and Ocimum gratissimum) commonly used for culinary purpose in Yenagoa metropolis, Nigeria. The samples were purchased from Tombia and Opolo market in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. The samples were dried, digested and analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrometery. Result showed that the concentration of lead, cobalt and cadmium were below detection level. The comparative concentration of other heavy metals in the vegetables ranged from 1.85 - 3.55mg/kg (copper), 1.63 â€“ 14.98 mg/kg (zinc), 5.83 â€“ 186.59 mg/kg (manganese), 8.12 â€“ 31.72 mg/kg (chromium), 5.01 â€“ 16.03 mg/kg (nickel) and 307.60 â€“ 1051.31 mg/kg (iron). Analysis of variance showed that there was significance variation (P
Dopamine Release is Involved in Antinociceptive Effect of Theophylline
ABSTRACT The methylxanthines, e.g., theophylline, are widely used for the treatment of bronchial asthma. Additionally, a pain relieving effect of theophylline has been reported in patients as well as in experimental animals. The mechanism of this antinociceptive action is not clear. In this study, involvement of dopaminergic system in theophylline-induced antinociception was evaluated using tail flick test model. Swiss albino mice, (either sex, weighing 25–30 g) with base line tail flick latencies (TFL) between 2.0 and 3.5 s, were used. TFL was recorded before and at intervals of 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. after drug treatment. The experimental protocol was duly approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. To determine the role of dopaminergic system, the mice were pretreated with either D1 or D2 dopaminergic receptor antagonists SCH 23390 and haloperidol, respectively, prior to treatment with theophylline. Another group of animals received apomorphine along with theophylline. The dose of theophylline used, i.e., 10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.), had shown a significant increase in TFLs. The theophylline-induced antinociception, 10 mg/kg, i.p., was reversed by pretreatment with both D1 and D2 dopaminergic receptor antagonists SCH 23390 and haloperidol as well as with apomorphine (1 mg/kg) pretreatment. The results suggest that theophylline-induced antinociception is due to release of dopamine.