Hypertension is one of the most prevalent diseases in the developed and developing countries. Based on the long historical association and the provocative findings of blood pressure effects at low level of lead exposure a study was carried out to determine if an association existed between low blood lead concentration and hypertension. In this study the effects of low-level exposure to lead on blood pressure were examined among 244 adults using atomic absorption spectrometer. For quality assurance purpose certified reference materials i.e., Animal blood A-13, Bovine liver 1577 and cotton cellulose V-9 from IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and NIST (National Institute of Standard Technology) were analyzed under identical experimental conditions. The mean age of hypertensive adults was 52 years (range 43 - 66). The mean values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were (209+/-11.7) (range 170 - 250) and (117+/-3.9) (range 105 - 140) mmHg respectively. Blood lead concentration ranged from 78 - 201 microg/L with a mean of 139 microg/L and 165 - 497 microg/L with a mean of 255 microg/L in normal and hypertensive adults respectively. Increase in systolic blood pressure was significantly predictive with increase in blood lead levels. Body mass index (BMI) and lipid profile including total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride correlated with blood pressure.
Adult ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; chemically induced ; Lead ; blood ; toxicity ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure

Objective:To determine inhibitory activity of methanolic leaf extract of Piper umbellatum and Persea americana (P.americana) (traditionally used in Cameroon against diabetes) on α-glucosidase,β-glucosidase,maltase-gluconmylase,aldose reductase and aldehyde reductase activities,enzymes involved in starch digestion or diabetic complications.Methods:The methanol extracts from Piper umbellatum and P.americana were prepared by maceration.To assess relative efficacy of these extracts,the determination of concentrations that were needed to inhibit 50％ of enzyme activity was done,whereas,gas chromatography-mass spectrum was used to identify components from extracts that may be responsible for the activities.Resullts The tested extracts strongly inhibited α-glucosidase,maltase-glucoamylase,aldose reductase and aldehyde reductase activities with IC50 ranging from (1.07 ± 0.03) to 01.77 + 1.17) μg/mL.Among the tested extracts,P.americana was the most active against sensitive enzymes (IC50 of 1.07 ± 0.03 to 15.63 ± 1.23).But,none of the extracts showed interesting inhibitory effect against β-glucosidase as their percentage inhibitions were less than 16％.From gas chromatographymass spectrum analysis,10 and 8 compounds were identified in Piper umbellatum and P.americana extracts respectively,using NIST library 2014.Conclusions:Results of this study provide the scientific credential for a prospective usage of these plants to treat diabetes.

Objective: To determine inhibitory activity of methanolic leaf extract of Piper umbellatum and Persea americana (P. americana) (traditionally used in Cameroon against diabetes) on α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, maltase-glucoamylase, aldose reductase and aldehyde reductase activities, enzymes involved in starch digestion or diabetic complications. Methods: The methanol extracts from Piper umbellatum and P. americana were prepared by maceration. To assess relative efficacy of these extracts, the determination of concentrations that were needed to inhibit 50% of enzyme activity was done, whereas, gas chromatography-mass spectrum was used to identify components from extracts that may be responsible for the activities. Results: The tested extracts strongly inhibited α-glucosidase, maltase-glucoamylase, aldose reductase and aldehyde reductase activities with IC