Evaluation of the activities of some antioxidant enzymes and lipid profile in the women using contraceptives

Abstract

Contraception provides a means through which conception can be regulated by interfering with the normal process of ovulation, fertilization and implantation. Few public health interventions are as effective as family planning programs at reducing the mortality and morbidity of mothers and infants and have such a breadth of positive impacts. : This research focus on evaluation of the lipid profiles and activities of antioxidant enzymes in women using contraceptives, which are the main line of defense against free radicals. : One hundred and Eighty (180) women were recruited from Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti and divided into 6 groups based on the method of contraceptives used. Group 1 served as control (women using natural planning), Group 2 (women using oral pills), Group 3 (women using intra uterine device), Group 4 (women using implant), Group 5(women using injection) and Group 6 (women using condom). Parameters including Body mass index (BMI) and the lipid profiles (Total Cholesterol (TC), High density lipoprotein (HDL), Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and Triglycerides (TG) were estimated in the plasma of all the test groups. The results showed significant increase in the BMI of women using pills, IUD, Implant and Injection (p<0.05). Significant decrease were observed in the Total cholesterol of Injection, IUD and Tablet users (p<0.05), significant decrease were observed in HDL of women using Tablet and Implant. : There was no significant decrease in the plasma level of women with the age range of 38-48 and activity of antioxidant enzymes, a significant increase in the Body mass index of these women (p<0.05) and slight increase in the weight of women using hormonal contraceptive when compared with the natural family planning method which served as the control. It can be said that lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes were implicated with the use of contraception, depending on the method used.