WUSU ADEDOJA DORCAS Nee Agbojo

Biochemistry

At the Biochemistry department office

Appointment on Visitation important

Topic: Biochemical Toxicology

Description: IntroductionMy research interest in Biochemistry centres on biochemical and molecular toxicology. The focus of my research activities includes the contributions of chemical, environmental, and nanotechnology to metabolic diseases via lipidology. I was motivated to focus on these areas because of the growing prevalence of metabolic diseases, especially diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, in developing countries like Nigeria due to exposure to environmental toxicants. My preoccupation is how these environmental contaminants, such as industrial chemicals, personal care products, and engineered nanoparticles, interact with vertebrate cells to induce various pathologies since knowledge about cellular function changes is vital for understanding and predicting the effects on a higher biological organization.Aim/ObjectivesI have been working toward linking changes at the cellular and molecular level via one of the major biological molecules, lipid, with whole organism effects. Lipids will provide us with insight into the underpinnings of life and its evolution and allow us to directly tackle unanswered questions in metabolic disease and improve the quality of life.MethodologyI have been employing both in-vivo and in-vitro approaches in my studies, which involve the use of hematopoietic, renal, and liver function tests and oxidative stress markers in toxicity studies and in predicting the mechanism of action of xenobiotics and investigating the mechanism of action of antidotes against the toxic effects of xenobiotics. Also, I have been using mineralization techniques to prepare tissues and body fluids for metal analysis via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry ICP-MS and atomic absorption emission spectrometry. Likewise, Isolation and use of cellular organelles and cell culture techniques for toxicity studies were employed.Expected ResultsThe results of some of these studies have increased understanding of the mechanisms by which many of these toxicants induce these pathologies and could provide a nidus on which regulatory measures would be developed.Contribution to KnowledgeThis contribution will help improve the well-being and economic status of the nation.

#	Certificate	School	Year
1.	Ph.D (Biochemistry)	University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria	2013

Vitamin D polymorphisms in preeclampsia

IntroductionPreeclampsia is an obstetrical syndrome characterized by the new onset of hypertension and either proteinuria or end-organ dysfunction after 20 weeks of gestation. It complicates 2 8% of pregnancies, causing high maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The etiology of preeclampsia is mainly unknown, although increasing evidence suggests an excessive maternal systematic inflammatory response to pregnancy. Known risk factors of preeclampsia complicated pregnancies include maternal vitamin D deficiency, first pregnancy, obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors.Polymorphisms of vitamin D signaling pathway genes influencing vitamin D status and proper vitamin D utilization include group-specific component protein vitamin D binding protein gene GC , vitamin D receptor gene VDR , and downstream mediator of vitamin D signaling, retinoid X receptor alpha gene RXRA . Genetic polymorphisms involved in the vitamin D signaling and metabolic pathway may affect its activities and, therefore, may be related to preeclampsia if vitamin D plays a role in the disease. Thus, it is crucial to investigate the receptors and gene expressions regulating vitamin D signaling and metabolism during pregnancy to understand preeclampsias onset. However, little is known about vitamin D signaling polymorphisms in preeclampsia patients from previous studies.See attached for continuation.

WUSU ADEDOJA is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biochemistry

WUSU has a Ph.D in Biochemistry from University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria