Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry

Cholesterol in Human Physiology and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Critical Narrative Review of Biological Necessity and Lipoprotein-mediated Risk

Uzuazokaro Mark-Maria Agatemor — 2026-11-04

Background: Cholesterol supports membrane organisation, myelin formation and the synthesis of steroid hormones and bile acids. Its biological necessity has sometimes been used to question the cardiovascular consequences of elevated circulating cholesterol. This interpretation overlooks differences between cellular cholesterol requirements and exposure to cholesterol carried by atherogenic lipoproteins.

Objective: To critically examine cholesterol homeostasis, the evidence connecting lipoproteins to atherosclerosis, and the nutritional and therapeutic implications of this distinction.

Method: A focused narrative synthesis of selected mechanistic studies, genetic evidence, clinical trials, meta-analyses and professional guidance was undertaken using publicly accessible scholarly records and guideline sources.

Result: Cholesterol function depends on its location and regulation. Retention of apolipoprotein B-containing particles within the arterial wall promotes lipid accumulation and inflammatory plaque development. Concordant genetic and intervention evidence establishes low-density lipoprotein as a causal contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. High density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration is an incomplete measure of particle function and raising it does not reliably improve cardiovascular outcomes. Dietary recommendations should consider the overall food pattern, while pharmacological decisions should prioritise absolute cardiovascular risk and interventions with demonstrated clinical benefit.

Conclusion: Cholesterol is physiologically indispensable, but this does not justify elevated atherogenic lipoprotein exposure. Effective prevention combines nutritional quality, appropriate risk assessment and sustained reduction of the circulating particles that drive atherosclerosis.

Breast Cancer in the Era of Precision Oncology: Molecular Pathogenesis, Integrated Diagnostics, and Therapeutic Advances

Shivam Solanki — 2026-11-09

Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge because of its molecular heterogeneity, evolving patterns of therapeutic resistance, and persistent disparities in diagnosis and treatment. Although advances in molecular profiling and targeted therapies have improved patient management, translating these developments into durable and equitable clinical benefits remains difficult. This review provides an integrated analysis of breast cancer biology and precision oncology, linking molecular pathogenesis and tumour heterogeneity with diagnostic stratification, treatment selection, and mechanisms of therapeutic failure. It examines how histopathological classification, immunohistochemical biomarkers, genomic assays, liquid biopsy, and artificial intelligence can complement one another to support earlier detection, individualised risk assessment, and more informed therapeutic decisions. Established treatment modalities, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, HER2-directed treatment, and immunotherapy, are discussed alongside emerging approaches such as antibody–drug conjugates, multi-omics integration, circulating tumour DNA-based minimal residual disease monitoring, therapeutic vaccines, epigenetic modulation, and genome editing. A central perspective of this review is that precision oncology requires more than identifying actionable molecular alterations: its effectiveness also depends on accounting for tumour evolution, intratumoral heterogeneity, resistance mechanisms, treatment-related toxicity, and the clinical validity of emerging biomarkers. Persistent challenges include the limited predictive value of some biomarkers, the need for prospective validation of novel diagnostic and monitoring tools, and unequal access to advanced technologies and therapies. Future priorities include developing robust predictive biomarkers, evaluating rational combination strategies, integrating longitudinal molecular monitoring into clinical decision-making, and ensuring that innovations are supported by rigorous clinical evidence and broader accessibility. A coordinated approach that integrates tumour biology, diagnostics, therapeutics, and patient-centred care is essential for advancing more durable, individualised, and equitable outcomes in breast cancer.

Effects of Ethanolic Bee Bread Extract on Liver Biochemical Parameters and Histology in Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide-induced Diabetic Male Rats

M. Bello — 2026-10-26

Background: Bee bread is a fermented pollen-derived material containing nutrients and phytochemicals, but its effects on diabetic liver injury remain uncertain.

Objective: To examine hepatic biochemical indices and qualitative liver morphology in streptozotocin–nicotinamide-induced diabetic male rats receiving ethanolic bee bread extract.

Methods: Six experimental groups included non-diabetic and diabetic controls, a metformin comparator (100 mg/kg), and groups coded 150BB, 300BB, and 600BB. Treatment was administered orally for three weeks. Group-level biochemical results were available for 27 rats (four or five per group). Seven serum analytes were assessed, and liver sections were examined histologically. Exploratory one-way ANOVA was calculated from reported group sizes, means, and standard deviations, with adjustment across seven endpoints.

Results: AST differed nominally among groups (F [5, 21] = 4.18, p = .0086) but not after Bonferroni adjustment (p = .0602). ALT, ALP, total protein, albumin, direct bilirubin, and total bilirubin did not show significant omnibus differences (all p > .05). Histological appearances varied; a section from the 600BB group showed comparatively preserved architecture, but animal-level histological scores were unavailable. No mortality was recorded during the documented 24-hour observations at 2,000 and 5,000 mg/kg.
Conclusions: The available data do not demonstrate hepatoprotection or establish toxicological safety. Unresolved animal counts, uncertainty about one administered dose, incomplete extract documentation, and limited assay verification constrain interpretation.

Dyslipidaemia among Miners and Residents of a Lead–zinc Mining Community in Ebonyi State, Nigeria: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study

Tilako Bello Halilu — 2026-10-26

Aims: To compare fasting serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and the frequencies of elevated concentrations, among miners, non-mining community residents and comparison adults in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Enyigba lead–zinc mining community, Abakaliki Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria; April–September 2018.

Methodology: The study included 215 adults: 89 miners, 61 non-mining residents and 65 comparison participants. Fasting serum lipids were measured using Roche reagents and a COBAS c111 analyzer. Group means were compared using one-way analysis of variance reconstructed from rounded group summaries. The frequencies of elevated TC (≥5.2 mmol/L), TG (≥1.7 mmol/L) and LDL-C (≥3.4 mmol/L) were compared using Pearson chi-square tests. Wilson 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for within-group percentages. All comparisons were unadjusted.

Results: Elevated TC occurred in 41 miners (46.1%), 6 non-mining residents (9.8%) and no comparison participants; elevated TG occurred in 60 (67.4%), 28 (45.9%) and 1 (1.5%), respectively; and elevated LDL-C in 39 (43.8%), 7 (11.5%) and 2 (3.1%). The respective chi-square statistics were 53.88, 67.91 and 41.74 (all p < .001). Mean TC, TG and LDL-C concentrations followed the same miner–resident–comparison ordering. The analysis did not include direct measurements of metal exposure or adjustment for cardiometabolic confounding.

Conclusion: The sampled occupational and residential groups differed in three unadjusted lipid outcomes. The findings do not establish effects of lead or other mining-related metals and should not be interpreted as population prevalence or as evidence of cardiovascular events.

Valorization of Acha and Iburu Grains: Optimization and Characterization of CLEA-Immobilized Amylases as Potential Alternatives to Conventional Barley and Wheat Induced- amylases

Adenike Oluwaseun Adefila — 2026-11-03

Barley and wheat are conventional sources of amylases for industrial applications; however, their cost and seasonal availability limit their utilisation. Underutilised grains, such as acha and iburu, may provide alternative sources of these enzymes. This study investigated the potential of malted acha and iburu as sources of amylases and optimised cross-linked enzyme aggregate (CLEA) technology for their immobilisation. Purified amylases obtained from the malted grains were precipitated using 80% (NH₄)₂SO₄ for 30 min on ice, followed by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde at a final concentration of 2%. The concentrations of (NH₄)₂SO₄ and glutaraldehyde were optimised on the basis of enzyme activity recovery. CLEAs were prepared using 80% (NH₄)₂SO₄. The reusability of the amylase CLEAs from these grains was investigated over four cycles. The prepared CLEAs exhibited substantial residual activity after repeated use. After four successive cycles, 72% and 62% of the initial activities were retained by the acha and iburu amylase CLEAs, respectively. These findings suggest that malted acha and iburu are promising alternative sources of amylases, although further studies on scale-up, industrial applications, direct comparisons with commercial preparations and techno-economic feasibility are required.

Gastroprotective and Systemic Effects of Honey–turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Blend on Haematological, Hepatic and Electrolyte Parameters in Ethanol-induced Gastric Ulceration in Wistar Albino Rats

Okolo Ijeoma Onyinye — 2026-11-04

Gastric ulceration (GU) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterised by disruption of the gastric mucosal barrier, resulting from an imbalance between aggressive factors and the body’s protective mechanisms. Adverse effects associated with conventional medications have increased interest in alternative therapeutic agents. This study investigated the effects of a honey–turmeric blend (HTB) on ulcer index, gastric pH, gastric volume, haematological parameters, hepatic function markers and serum electrolyte concentrations in male Wistar rats with ethanol-induced gastric ulceration. Thirty-six adult male albino rats (140–220 g) were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6). Group A, the normal control, received clean water and rat chow. Groups B–F were administered 98% ethanol (1 mL/kg body weight) once daily for two consecutive days to induce GU. Group B served as the negative control, while Group C received omeprazole (20 mg/kg body weight) as the standard treatment. Groups D, E and F received HTB at doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively, by intragastric gavage twice daily for 21 days. The HTB preparation, gastric ulcer index, gastric pH, gastric volume, haematological parameters, hepatic markers and serum electrolytes were assessed using standard laboratory procedures. Ethanol administration significantly (p < 0.05) increased the ulcer index and decreased packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and red blood cell (RBC) count, accompanied by a significant increase in white blood cell (WBC) count. Serum sodium (Na^⁺)_, potassium (K^⁺) and bicarbonate (HCO_₃⁻) concentrations decreased significantly, whereas alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and bilirubin and albumin concentrations, increased significantly compared with the normal control group. Treatment with omeprazole and graded doses of HTB significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated these alterations compared with the negative control group. Overall, HTB improved the measured gastric, haematological, hepatic and electrolyte indices in this experimental model. These findings suggest that HTB warrants further investigation as a potential gastroprotective preparation.