Targeting the Epigenetic Marks in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Will Epigenetic Therapy Be a Valuable Adjunct to Pharmacotherapy?

Although genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors largely contribute to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk, the role of epigenetics in its pathogenesis is now well established. The epigenetic mechanisms in T2DM mainly consist of DNA methylation, histone modifications and regulation by noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). For instance, DNA methylation at CpG islands in the promoter regions of specific genes encoding insulin signaling and glucose metabolism suppresses these genes.

Clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and treatment outcomes in children with adenoid hypertrophy in a paediatric outpatient clinic in Enugu, Nigeria.

Objectives: To determine the clinical presentation, imaging features and outcomes of children with adenoid hypertrophy in our setting.

Design: A retrospective study.

Setting: The paediatric clinic of a private hospital in Enugu.

Pattern of presentation of paediatric endocrine disorders in a Nigerian tertiary institution: an 11-year survey.

Objectives: There is need to generate epidemiological data regarding paediatric endocrine disorders (PEDs) in sub-Saharan Africa, since little attention has been given endocrine disorders in children in this sub-region over the years. The aim of the study was to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of children with endocrine disorders in our paediatric endocrinology clinic, as well as the pattern of presentation of these disorders.

Methods: This study included paediatric patients who presented to the endocrine clinic over an 11-year period.

Becker's nevus syndrome: a case report.

Background: Becker's nevus syndrome is a syndrome characterized by the presence of a Becker's nevus with ipsilateral breast hypoplasia or hypoplastic defects of the muscle, skin, or skeleton. The nevus usually consists of a circumscribed, unilateral, irregularly shaped hyperpigmented macule, commonly occurring around the anterior upper trunk, with/without hypertrichosis and/or acneiform lesions. This rare syndrome has not been reported in our locality to the best of our knowledge.

The effect of sickle cell anemia on the linear growth of Nigerian children.

Objectives: Despite the high prevalence of children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in West Africa, there is paucity of data on the height velocity and prevalence of growth failure in SCA patients. With advances in clinical care of SCA patients, could there be a spatial and secular trend in the growth pattern of these children? Hence, the compelling needs to embark on this study. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of growth failure among patients with SCA and its correlation with age, gender and age at diagnosis.

Correlates of fasting blood glucose among children living with hiv in a Nigerian tertiary hospital: a cross-sectional study.

Background: There is growing concern as regards the emergence of metabolic disorders among children living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) worldwide. However, there is paucity of data on the correlates of metabolic indices among HIV-positive children in Africa.

Methods: This study examined 84 HIV-positive children on HAART recruited from the paediatric infectious diseases clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital for blood glucose levels using finger-prick testing with an Accu-check glucose meter and test strips.

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis: A neglected tropical disease among urban slum dwelling school-aged children of a sub-Saharan African city.

Background: The need to generate a robust epidemiological data on the neglected tropical diseases is imperative, in order to encourage access to formal care, drive public policies and ensure the allocation of resources by policy-makers.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and its association with nutritional variables among primary school pupils living in urban slums in a South-Eastern sub-Saharan African city of Enugu, Nigeria.

Methods: The stool samples of school-aged children living in urban slums were analyzed for ova of the helminths using the Kato-Katz methods, whereas the nutritional assessment (weight and height) was obtained and analyzed to indicate acute or chronic malnutrition.