Metal Binding Proteins and Immunoglobulin Classes in the serum of Nigerian Cassava Processors

Cassava processing is an economically viable venture in tropical Africa where cassava is consumed in various forms, but cyanogenic glycosides that are contacted during cassava processing is known to have tremendous effects on nervous system but the effect of cyanogenic glycosides on immune functions of cassava processors is largely unknown. The objective of this study is to find out if aspects of humoral immune system are affected in cassava processors. This was achieved by measuring the levels of three immunoglobulin classes (IgG, IgA and IgM) and metal binding proteins (Transferrin, Caeruloplasmin, Alpha-2Macroglobulin and Haptoglobin) in Nigerian cassava processors using principle of single radial immunodiffusion in immunoplates. The result shows that only the mean serum level of IgM was significantly increased in cassava processors compared with the controls (P=0.02). There were no significant changes in the mean levels of IgA, IgG, alpha-2 macroglobulin, caeruloplasmin and transferrin in cassava processors compared with the controls. It is the opinion of the authors that cassava processing has no tremendous adverse effect on some aspects of humoral immunity of cassava processors. [Nature and Science 2010;8(11):27-34]. (ISSN: 1545-0740).