This study assessed the ameliorative role of Carica papaya leaf crude extract (CPLCE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model of neurotoxicity in mice. Thirty-two adult male mice (25 - 30g) were randomly assigned to three groups (A & C; n=8, B; n= 16 i.e. B1 and B2). B1 was treated with LPS once/daily for seven days. B2 was initially treated with LPS once/day for 7 days, followed by treatment with CPLCE once daily for the last seven days. Groups A and C received distilled water and CPLCE respectively for the duration of the experiment. During the treatment, physical clinical signs were monitored for in the mice and a neurobehavioral test (wire hanging test) was carried out to ascertain muscle strength. The mice’s brains were harvested and their cerebellum excised. Immunostaining for GFAP and Iba1 was performed using standard procedures as well standard H& E technique. Results from this study suggest significant cerebellar degeneration in group B1 treated with LPS only when compared to groups A & C. There was a marked recovery of the degenerating cerebellar cytoarchitecture in group B (B2) when treated with CP for the next 7days when compared to those treated with LPS only. This was further confirmed by reduced expression of cerebellar GFAP and Iba-1 in this group. The absence of cerebellar degeneration and normal expression of GFAP and Iba-1 was observed in group C treated with CP only for 14 days. In conclusion, CP could prove to be promising for possible neuroinflammatory diseases treatment....
Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of fluoxetine and this is responsible for most treatment discontinuation. Certain dietary supplements may attenuate the deleterious effects of medications. Cyperus esculentus seeds have numerous phytochemical constituents which are rich in antioxidant effects. The evaluation of the protective effects of this extract on the testicular effects of fluoxetine in Wistar rats was the aimed of this study. Forty (40) adult male Wistar rats were divided into eight (8) groups of five (5) rats each (Group A to H). The rats received different doses of fluoxetine (group B - E) and different doses of crude extract with concomitant doses of fluoxetine (group F - H). All administrations of medication and extract were carried out via oral gavage for a period of 30 days. Euthanasia of animals at the end of the treatment period was carried out and the testicular tissues were dissected out for processing. The processing entail fixation of entire testicular tissue in Bouin’s fluid and staining with hematoxylin and eosin stain for histological evaluations. Exposure to various doses of fluoxetine resulted in generation of free radicals and altered histological and testicular functions, which is reflected by a decline in the sperm motility, sperm count and relative testicular weights. Treatment with 2 g/kg of the extract brings about restoration and normalization of histological alterations as well as restoration in the above spermatogenic parameters. Therefore, this study adduced the attenuated effect of Cyperus esculentus against the testicular effects of fluoxetine in Wistar rats....
This study investigated the effects of caffeine, a constituent of widely consumed energy drinks and beverages, on the sperm characteristics and level of reproductive hormones in developing male rats. Forty pre-pubertal Wistar rats (25 – 28 days old), weighing between 50 – 60 g were assigned into 4 groups (n = 10). Three test groups were administered daily with 50 mgkg-1, 100 mgkg-1 and 200 mgkg-1 of caffeine for 14 days by gavage while the controls received equivalent volumes of distilled water used in dissolving caffeine. Five rats from each group were sacrificed 24 hours after the last administration of caffeine while the remaining five were monitored for further three weeks till they were all sexually matured. Caudal part of the epididymis were excised and the sperm count, morphology, motility and viability were determined. The concentration of testosterone and luteinizing hormone were determined in the serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data obtained were analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by Dunnett post hoc test for comparison with control. Alpha level was set at 0.05. The result showed a significant decrease in epididymal sperm motility and count at treatment doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. The 200 mg/kg dose also showed a decrease in sperm viability. There was also an increase in the number of abnormal sperm at treatment doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg compared to the control. Serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels were not significantly altered following treatment; however, the luteinizing hormone level was significantly increased in the group which received 200 mg/kg of caffeine after recovery. The study concluded that prepubertal caffeine exposure interfered with epididymal sperm development in a dose dependent manner without significant effect on the synthesis of reproductive hormones...
Palatoscopy is the study of palatal rugae patterns in order to utilize its uniqueness to establish the identities of individuals. Face shape refers to the geometric form of an individual’s face. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between palatal rugae patterns and face shapes among the Ibolo ethnic group in Osun and Kwara states, Nigeria, in individuals aged 18-65. The study was conducted on 500 subjects (250 male, 250 female) of the Ibolo ethnic group in Osun and Kwara, Nigeria. The palatal rugae of each individual was captured intraorally using a Sony digital camera and a picture was taken of the subject’s face, also. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM. version 23, Armonk, New York, USA) was used to determine group differences. Using Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID), a model of the relationship between the predominant rugae types and face shape were described. Differences were declared significant and correlation exist when P ? 0.05. The results showed that rugae types E and D were predominant in males and females respectively and the oval face shape was the most common in both sexes. The test of association between the left anterior segment and sex was significant. The analysis showed no relationship between palatal rugae patterns and face shapes. This study shows that the face shape of an individual from the Ibolo ethnic group cannot be determined using his or her palatal rugae pattern....
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic debilitating microvascular complication of diabetes, and often leads to end-stage renal disease, a common cause of morbidity and mortality with high burden worldwide. Both oxidative stress and chronic inflammation had been implicated in the pathogenesis of DN. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic antioxidant with several beneficial effects in medicine due to its antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective among other properties. This study aimed to investigate the modulatory role of resveratrol in experimentally-induced diabetic nephropathy. Ethical approval was obtained from the institution’s Ethics Committee for Research Animal Care and Use. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups (n=4): normal control; normoglycemic + 1ml/kg carboxymethylcellulose (CMC); diabetic control; diabetic + 100mg/kg resveratrol; and diabetic + 1mg/kg lisinorpril. Twelve weeks after the induction and treatment, the animals were humanely sacrificed. Serum was collected for biochemical analysis. Values at P...
The physical appearance of the difference in the index and ring finger has been associated with hormonal levels and sex. This study, therefore, evaluates the sex difference and heritability of the relative difference in the 2nd and 4th digits among families living in Port Harcourt. This research was designed as an observational, cross-sectional study involving 336 subjects comprising of 101parents and 135 offspring, obtained from 101 families within Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The second (2D; index finger) and fourth (4D; ring finger) digits were observed for relative difference in length; 2D4D noted as “LIF (longer index finger)”. The difference was determined by direct measurement using the digital vernier calliper (with an accuracy of 0.01mm), with a mathematical calculation (length of 2D minus 4D). The patterns were tabulated as family data and the parental combinations were highlighted to reflect offspring inheritance. XLSTAT (version 2015.4.01) Chi-square analysis (test) was used for association between sex and the difference in 2D & 4D at 0.05 significance level. While Mendelian Chi-square distribution modeltested the conformance to dominant-recessive inheritance. Parental and offspring allele frequency distribution were compared using Hardy Weinberg (H-W) equation. The analysis showed that 92.3% of the population had shorter index finger (SIF) compared to the 7.7% of the population with longer index finger LIF. There was no sex associated difference in the distribution (?2 [df=2]=1.659, P=0.436).The results from the parental and offspring pattern suggest that 2D:4D ratio is inherited.The Mendelian test of association suggest that the assumption of index finger inheritance in a dominant-recessive fashion. This was further strengthened by the result from the H-W calculations, which showed conformity of the offspring allele distribution (5:4:1) to that of the parents (5:4:1). The distribution of the difference in 2nd to 4th digit favoured the shorter index finger; without sexual preference. The conformity of the trait to the Mendelian simple dominant dominant-recessive inheritance was strengthened by the H-Wcalculation outcome which suggested a uniform pattern for the offspring and parent....
The study of cephalofacial parameters has been used in various human populations to test heterogeneity in head and face forms for sexual dimorphisms and ethnic variations. These features are used by plastic surgeons, forensic researchers and anthropologists to estimate the sex, shapes and other features of head and face. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between gender and the different head and face types among the dominant ethnic populations of Gombe State. The study was a descriptive and cross-sectional study which involved 500 participants from the five dominant ethnic groups of Gombe State Nigeria, and simple random technique was used for recruitment of participants. Cephalic length, cephalic breadth, facial length and facial breadth were measured using standard protocols. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the mean values of the cephalic and facial indices and Pearson chi-square test was used to investigate the relationship of gender with different head and face types. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The result of the association of gender with head types revealed that there was no significant relationship between these variables except in the Fulani where a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05) was observed between the two variables. There was a significant relationship between gender and the various face types (p < 0.05) in the ethnic groups with the exception of two tribes Bole and Waja. It was found that the ethnic groups have predominantly Mesocephalic and Dolicephalic head types and the Hyper Leptoproscopic and Leptoproscopic face types were also common....
Hirsutism is excessive terminal hair growth in women which follows a male pattern distribution. Adipose tissue contributes up to 50% of the circulating testosterone in premenopausal women due to excessive production of androgen in the fat tissue. This study is aimed at evaluating the relationship between body mass index and hirsutism. Three hundred and twenty two adolescent female students between the ages of 13-19 years were recruited in this study. The degree of hirsutism was determined by modified Ferriman Gallway score (F&G score), which quantified the presence of terminal hair over nine body parts: the upper lip, chin, chest, upper and lower abdomen, thighs, upper and lower back, and upper arms. The score varies from 0 (no hair) to 4 (extensive hair growth) in each area. Total score < 8 was termed normal hair growth, total score between 8-14 was termed mild hirsutism and total score ? 15 was termed severe hirsutism. Height and weight were measured using a stadiometer, and the body mass index was calculated as weight/height2 (kg/m2). The data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 (IBM, New York). There was no significant difference between the three groups in regards to age. On the other hand, a significant difference was observed in the three groups with respect to height (P=0.008) as female with normal hair growth were taller than those with mild and severe hirsutism. Weight and body mass index were higher in females with severe hirsutism as compared to those with mild hirsutism and normal hair growth. The Chi- square test showed an insignificant difference between the three groups regarding body mass index (P> 0.05)...
People are becoming more and more dependent on herbal products rather than the chemical drugs due to their residual effects on the long run. The individual parts of plant that forms herbs like the seed, seed oil, leaves and the roots showed their importance in pharmacology. Ricinus Communis Linn is a specie from the family Euphorbiaceous, this plant is reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, central analgesic, antitumor, antinociceptive, anti-asthmatic activity and other medicinal properties. These activities of the plant are due to the presence of important phytochemical constituents like flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids etc. Twenty (20) albino wistar rats weighing 118g- 190g were grouped randomly into four groups. With the aim to assess the testes of albino wistar rats treated with Aqueous Ricinus communis linn extract histologically and check fertility potentiate of the semen parameters. Control Group were given only food with water 31days, Group A (low dose), Group B (Medium dose), Group C (High dose), were administered with 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg, 800mg/kg Aqueous Ricinus Communis linn for 31days respectively. Evaluation of body weight, histology of the testes and hormonal analysis were conducted. The data was analysed using ANOVA. Results show significant increase in male reproductive hormone across the experimental group when compared to the control group....
The Double-spurred Francolin (Francolinus bicalcaratus) is a feral bird and remains undomesticated with very little known about its reproductive capability, hence, this study was carried out to know about the structural integrity of its testis. Birds (n=5), were obtained during the dry and rainy seasons from their natural habitat in Kano, stabilized and acclimatized for two weeks in the Experimental Animal House of the Veterinary Anatomy Department, University of Ibadan. The Birds were weighed, sedated and sacrificed by decapitation. The testis was removed and fixed in neutral buffered formalin and then processed histochemically for Reticulin fibres using Gordon and Sweet’s stain and Collagen fibres using Verhoff-Van Gieson stain. Paraffin-embedded sections of each fixed testes were cut and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin, then immunostained for structural proteins with monoclonal antibodies against Vimentin, Desmin, Pancytokeratin and Alpha smooth muscle Actin. Results indicate that the mean morphometric values for testis and epididymis observed were highest at late rainy season and lowest at early dry season for all indexes except for the testicular capsule thickness that was lowest at late rainy season and highest at late dry season. The testicular capsule and peritubular layer immunostained for alpha smooth muscle actin, desmin, pancytokeratin and vimentin and were thickest at late rainy season. The capsule was histochemically positive for collagen fibres mostly restricted to the tunica Albuginea. We also, observed that the peritubular wall was positive for reticulin, thickest at late dry season. We therefore, conclude that capsular and peritubular tissues of the testis are similar to that of Muscuvy duck, quail and domestic fowl. The testicular capsule is rich in collagen and would be actively involved in keeping the testis from total collapse when it regresses at late dry season....
Comparative neurobiology provides empirical evidence to neuroscientists for the classification of biological species based on diversities or similarities of their neuroanatomical characteristics. Rodents are imperative neuroscience research tool, beneficial in elucidating brain pathologies and possible therapies where human subjects cannot be used. Tectum, a region of the midbrain, is composed of a set of colliculi responsible for initial processing of sensory information from the eyes and ears. This study comparatively assessed neuroanatomical features of the superior and inferior colliculi of some selected rodent species: Wistar rat, Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) and rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Nine male rodents (n=3/species) were obtained for the study. Morphologic and microscopic assessments including body and brain weights, histologic and histochemical, and histometric examinations were conducted. Data obtained were compared amongst species using statistical (IBM SPSS v23) and imaging (AmScope, US and ImageJ, US) softwares. Results revealed remarkably (p...
Body mass index (BMI) is a handy tool for categorizing individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese based on tissue mass and height. Body circumferences are of great importance in determining body weight and tissue composition due to the limitation of BMI, especially when used to predict individual's health. The study aimed at estimating body mass index (BMI) using body circumferences among girls and women of Kumana Chiefdom, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 678 subjects residing in Kumana Chiefdom, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, were selected for this study, all of them ranging between 10 – 78 years of age and devoid of any physical abnormalities or deformities. The anthropometric measurements were done using direct method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 21. Pearson correlation was used to determine the correlation between the study variables, simple linear and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to derive population specific equations for predicting BMI and ANOVA followed by Tukey post-hoc test was used to differentiate between the studied variables. P < 0.005 was deemed statistically significant. There were significant increases in all the parameters studied among the overweight individuals when compared with those that were normal and underweight, but foot circumferences showed no significant difference when compared among the body mass index. The studied parameters had a peak increase at age 40 – 49 years followed by a gradual decline from age 50 – 79 years old. There were positive significant correlations between body mass index and other parameters studied excluding the foot circumference which was negative and not significant. It was evident that all the studied parameters excluding foot circumference have the ability of predicting body mass index....
Andrographis paniculata is a traditional plant, although little is known regarding its effectiveness against mercury chloride-induced liver and kidney damage. The hepatorenal protective properties of the A. paniculata extract was assessed in mercury chloride-induced (0.5 mg/kg) hepatorenal toxicity in male Wistar rats (5/group). The aqueous A. paniculata extract was administered at 250 and 500 mg/kg doses orally for 28 consecutive days concurrently with the mercury chloride. Ascorbic acid (200 mg/kg) was used as the standard drug. After the administration, biochemical parameters on serum were assessed, and histology on H&E-stained liver and kidney sections. The results showed that A. paniculata significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the levels of serum AST, ALT, ALP, Urea, and Creatinine MDA and significantly (p < 0.05) increased the contents of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Rats given only mercury chloride developed hepatic steatosis and renal glomerulus degeneration. The A. paniculata extract and ascorbic acid prevented the degeneration of the cytoarchitecture of the liver and renal glomerulus. Histological results support the biochemical findings. In conclusion, the findings in this study suggest that A. paniculata has a protective potential against mercury chloride induced liver and kidney toxicity by preventing the upsurge of liver enzymes markers and oxidative stress....
Camelus dromedarius (Dromedary or one-humped camel) belonging to the genus Camelus, is recently receiving great research attention due to the increasing importance of this species as model for scientist in various discipline of biological science including reproduction. This study was aimed to evaluate histomorphological horizons during uterine development at three pre-natal stages in dromedary. Twenty-two fetuses were used to study the uterine horns, uterine body and uterine cervix histomorphological horizons in three trimesters of the prenatal development. Our results revealed that the uterine horns typically had three-layered tunics, which became more distinct across the trimesters, with pseudostratified epithelial lining. In the first trimester, the right and left uterine horns had mescenchyme cells widely distributed within the connective tissue stroma. The second trimester had a slight indentation of future endometrial glands on the right uterine horn while the left horn had a distinct invagination on the epithelial lining. The organization of canalized endometrial glands at the third trimester were marked and more on the left than the right uterine horn with both primary and secondary longitudinal folds. Our findings are similar to those of other mammals in developmental strides. Our results provide new information on the histological features of the uterus in female Camelus dromedarius, an insight to reproductive management of this species of mammals....
The kidneys serve as the initial storage for lead, and as such are exposed to the deleterious effect of lead. Chelators utilized in lead induced toxicity are costly and have been related with adverse side effects. Therefore, the present study evaluated the effect of fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids on nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by lead exposure in adult male Wistar rats. Twenty adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five rats each. Group I served as control and received 1 ml/kg of distilled water, Group II received 5 mg/kg bwt of lead acetate only, Group III received 5 mg/kg bwt of lead acetate and 112.5 mg/kg bwt of fish oil while Group IV received 5 mg/kg bwt of lead acetate and 225 mg/kg bwt of fish oil. Body weights were taken throughout the experiment. At the end of the administration, the kidneys of the Wistar rats were excised and weighed, oxidative stress markers quantified and the kidneys were fixed in buffered formal saline, processed and stained for histological studies. The results revealed significant decrease (p...
Alcohol has been implicated in the aetiology of male infertility. Ogogoro, a locally brewed alcohol, is processed by distilling fermented sap of Raphia palms (Raphia hookeri) or coconut palm (cocus nucifera). The aim of this study was to evaluate Ogogoro induced testicular toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Twenty (20) adult male Wistar rats were assigned into four groups (n=5) each. Group I (control) was administered with normal saline 1ml/kg, groups II-IV: Ogogoro 3.5ml/kg, 7ml/kg, and 14ml/kg respectively orally for eight weeks. Following animal sacrifice, blood samples, seminal fluid and testes were used for assay of reproductive hormones, seminal analysis, and testicular histology and oxidative stress biomarkers respectively. Serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) in groups III and IV were significantly (p...
A common route of exposure to gasoline is the olfactory epithelium. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gasoline vapor on the histology of the olfactory epithelium and on some biomarkers of oxidative stress. The experiment lasted for 21 days with 35 rats designated into 7 groups. Rats exposed to gasoline were placed in whole body exposure chambers with 500mls of gasoline. The rats were exposed for between 5-30minutes depending on the group for exposure. The histopathology of the olfactory epithelium revealed loss of sustentacular cells (5, 10, 15, 20-minute exposure), proliferation of basal cells (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 minutes), thinning of the olfactory epithelium (10-minute exposure), loss of the apical surface of the olfactory epithelium (15 and 20-minute exposure)and apoptosis (30- minute exposure). Increase in malondialdehyde (p0.05) (5, 10, 20, 25, 30-minutes) and a decrease in catalase (p< 0.05) (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30-minutes) was also observed. These results indicate that exposure to gasoline altered the normal histological architecture of olfactory epithelium and induced oxidative stress in albino Wistar rats....
This experiment was designed to study the effects of caffeine on the histomorphology of the testes of prepubertal male Wistar rats. Prepubertal Wistar rats (50 – 60 g) were randomly divided into three treatment groups (B, C and D) and control (A) of ten rats each. Group A rats received distilled water while Groups B, C, and D rats were respectively given daily dose of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg of caffeine dissolved in distilled water for 14 days by gavage. Five rats from each group were sacrificed 24 hours after the last caffeine administration while the remaining rats were monitored for another 21 days for them to attain sexual maturity. The rats were sacrificed under diethyl ether anesthesia and the testes were fixed by immersion in Bouin’s fluid. The tissues were processed for histomorphological and histomorphometric assessment. Data obtained were analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by Dunnett post hoc test for comparison with control. Alpha level was set at 0.05. Results showed that treatment with caffeine caused a significant decrease in testicular weight and a marked cellular degeneration and depletion of germ cells in the testes of rats in group D. The height of the germinal epithelium was significantly reduced when compared with control. This study concluded that prepubertal exposure of Wistar rats to caffeine reduced testicular growth and deleteriously alters testicular morphology....
Anthropometric Indicators of Nutritional Status of Children Attending Hospitals in Sokoto Metropolis
Malnutrition is described to be the evidence of bad nutritional status, which in turn dictates the health of the individual as well as that of a community. Food provides the energy and nutrients that infants need to be healthy. Anthropometric variables have been used to assess nutritional status of individuals, infants and children inclusive. This study aimed at determining the anthropometric indicators of nutritional status of children attending hospitals in Sokoto Metropolis. Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) being a Tertiary hospital, Specialist Hospital Sokoto as a Secondary hospital and Kware Primary Health care a Primary hospital were used for the study. A total of 506 subjects were recruited for this study. The anthropometric parameters (length, weight, Body mass index, head, chest and abdominal circumferences) were obtained using infantometer, stadiometer, weighing balance and tailoring tape. Data was reported as Mean ± Standard deviation of frequencies and percentages. One-way analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine differences in means of the various groupings. A Chi-square test was used to test association between qualitative variables. p...
With the high rate of infertility within our society, most men have resolve into using herbs as first treatment. Alchornea cordifolia is one of the plants used as performance enhancers in livestock and poultry industry therefore, this research proposes to find out the effect of this extract on the hypothalamic-pituitary response to hormone profile in male wistar rats. Group A animals served as normal control and were given normal saline of 0.5ml, Group B, C and D animals received daily administration of 500mg/kgw, 1000mg/kgw and 1500mg/kgw of the extract respectively for a period of 28 days. Results from this study showed no significant differences in the serum concentrations of hormones studied, cytoarchitecture of hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves may not to have positive effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary response to the hormone profile in male wistar rats and as such not enhance effect on fertility....
Changes in modern life style have been implicated to cause retinal damage due to prolonged artificial light exposure. The study investigated the effects of the methanolic extract of Adansonia digitata on the histomorphology of the retina in Light Emitting Diode (LED) light induced retinal damage in 16 young wistar rat. The Wistar rats were randomly grouped into 4 groups of 4 animals each. Group A; normal control group, 1ml of normal saline was administered. Group B; negative control, were exposed to LED light. Group C; prevention group, 1300mg/kg of Adansonia digitata methanolic extract was administered via 1ml of normal saline for 1 week, followed by exposure to LED light of the intensity (2740 ± 140) lux for 8hr. Group D; therapeutic group, were exposed to LED light of the intensity (2740 ± 140) lux for 8hr, and then followed by the administration of 1300 mg/kg of ADME via 1ml of normal saline for 1 week. All animals were sacrificed on day 15. Part of the results showed that the histology of the retinas in the animals in group B were shrink as seen in the outer nuclear layer, retinal pigmented epithelium and the rod and cone layer. The rats in group C and D showed that ADME preserved partly the outer nuclear layer and rod and cone layer. The study concluded that Adansonia digitata methanolic extract possess antioxidant and healing effects capable of protecting and treating partly the retina from LED light induced retinal light damage....
Blighia sapida is an herbal plant cultivated in West Africa that has been observed to have multipurpose properties. To investigate the androgenic effects of Blighia sapida (Ackee bark) extracts in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty-four rats weighing 135±15g were used for this study. They were randomly divided groups of six rats. Group A (Control) received 1 ml of DW. Group B-D received 100ml/kg, 200ml/kg and 400ml/kg of Blighia sapida respectively. After administration for 56 days, five animals were randomly chosen and euthanized. The testes were harvested for histology and oxidative stress, blood for hormonal milieu. There was a decrease in the values of FSH and LH when treatment groups were compared to control. Semen analysis showed decrease in parameters when treatment groups were compared to control. A significant increase was recorded when treatment groups were compared to control in MDA and significant decrease was observed in CAT, SOD and GSH when treatment groups were compared to control. A decrease was observed in testicular weight when treatment group was compared to Control. Blighia sapida showed deleterious effects on the male reproductive system as there was reduced secretion of testicular hormones. It also induced oxidative stress on the testis had adverse effect on seminal parameters....
Bisphenol A (BFA), which is one of the most widely used industrial chemicals in the production of plastic has been implicated with male infertility and achieved this through increased in reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Melatonin and phoenix dactylifera (date palm) have been shown to have many beneficial medicinal properties, including antioxidant effects. The aim of the study to was evaluate the effects of melatonin and Phoenix dactylifera on antioxidant enzyme and hormones (androgens) associated with bisphenol-A induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats. Twenty-five (25) adults’ male Wistar rats with a weight range of 120–150 g were randomly divided into five groups of five rats each. Group 1 received distilled water, orally, Group 2 received BFA only; 4 mg/kg orally, Group 3 received BFA; 4 mg/kg plus melatonin; 10mg/kg, orally, Group 4 received BFA; 4mg/kg plus Phoenix dactilyfera; 500mg/kg, orally and Group 5 received BFA; 4mg/kg plus melatonin; 10mg/kg and Phoenix dactilyfera; 500mg/kg, orally. The administration was done for 14 days. The animals were humanely sacrificed using chloroform 24 hours after last administration. Blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture for hormonal assay and biochemical analysis. The data were presented as mean ± SEM and analyzed by ANOVA using the SPSS package version 25 software. Differences were considered significant at p...
Prenatal exposure to Testosterone and Oestrogen predicts human finger length and the ratio of 2D:4D reflects sexual differentiation at an early age. Women with high 2D:4D ratio were found to have high reproductive success and this prompted us to find out if any, the relationship between digit ratio (2D:4D) and multiple births. Two hundred and One hundred voluntary female subjects from Igbo-Ora and Ogbomosho respectively, aged 25-50years who had given up on childbearing were grouped into four: Group I: Mothers who had given birth to Twins in Igbo-Ora (Identical and Non-Identical Twins, n=105). Group II: Mothers who had never given birth to Twins / Single birth mothers in Igbo-Ora, n=95. Group III: Mothers who had given birth to Twins in Ogbomosho (Identical and Non-Identical, n=50). Group IV: Mothers who had never given birth to Twins / Single birth mothers in Ogbomosho, n=50.The relaxed adducted fingers were flexed at metacarpo-phalageal joint at an angle 900 and placed on the table edge, after which the length of the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) fingers were measured from the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) mid metarcarpo-phalangeal joints to the tips of the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) fingers respectively for both hands and their ratio gave the Anatomical 2D:4D ratio while for Conventional measurements, the relaxed adducted fingers were placed in supine position on the table and the length of the second (2nd) and fourth (4th ) fingers were measured from the middle of the ventral proximal phalangeal crease to the tip of the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) fingers respectively of each hands of all the subjects and the ratio gave the Conventional 2D:4D ratio. The 2D:4D ratio of 800 fingers (2 fingers from each hand of 200 subjects) of Igbo-Ora subjects were compared with the 2D:4D ratio of the 400 fingers (2 fingers from each hand of 100 subjects) of Ogbomosho subjects both anatomically and conventionally. Measurements were done by two research assistants with vernier caliper at different times and the mean values were recorded as the reading. The digit ratio (2D:4D) was greater in single births women than in multiple births women in both Igbo-Ora and Ogbomosho subjects. This study showed that women with low 2D:4D digit ratio had high reproductive success which was contrary to previous belief. It is recommended that the research be carried out in a larger population....
Dromedary or one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) belongs to the genus Camelus, and camel research is on the increase due to its importance as model for scientist in various discipline of biological science including reproduction. Here we examined the histological developmental horizons of the reproductive tract and accessory organs of fetal male Camelus dromedarius across three trimesters. A total number of fifteen (15) Camelus dromedarius male fetuses were collected from pregnant uteri (five in each trimester) and used for this study. Our results revealed an undifferentiated testis at the first trimester, developing sex cords appeared at the second trimester and marked tubular sex cords at the third trimester. The epididymis showed ducts lined with pseudostratified epithelium at the first trimester, enlarged ducts at the second trimester and larger ducts at the third trimester. The Vas deferens were frail at the first trimester, presented distinct muscular layers with a lumen at the second trimester and was lined by pseudostratified columnar at the third trimester. The prostate and bulbourethral glands were glandular. The mucosa of the penis was undifferentiated at the first trimester, a lumen with transitional epithelium was seen at the second trimester alongside with incomplete ectodermal lamina between the penis and preputial covering, which became wider at the third trimester. Our results provide new information on the histological features of the fetal reproductive organs in male Camelus dromedarius, an insight to reproductive management in this specie of mammal....
Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the lack of ability of a noncontraceptive couple to conceive after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Bisphenol A(BFA) which is one of the most widely used industrial chemical in the production of plastic materials has been associated with male infertility by causing increase in reactive oxygen species level and oxidative stress, melatonin and phoenix dactylifera (date palm) has shown to have many useful medicinal properties, including antioxidant effects. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of melatonin and Phoenix dactylifera on the cellular changes associated with bisphenol A induced testicular and androgen toxicity in male Wistar rats. Twenty- five (25) adult male Wistar rat with a weight range of 120- 150g were randomly divided into five groups of five rats each in this research study. Group 1 received distilled water orally, Group 2 received BFA only; 4 mg/kg orally, Group 3 received BFA; 4 mg/kg plus melatonin; 10mg/kg, orally, Group 4 received BFA; 4mg/kg plus date palm; 500mg/kg, orally and Group 5 received BFA; 4mg/kg plus melatonin; 10mg/kg and date palm; 500mg/kg, orally. Administration was done for 14 days. The animals were humanely sacrificed using chloroform, 24 hours after last administration. The testes and epididymis were dissected following abdominal incision. The epididymis was used for semen analysis while the testes was processed for histological analysis. The data was presented as mean values ± SEM and analyzed by ANOVA using the SPSS package version 25 software. Differences were considered significant at p...
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-COV-2) otherwise called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic affecting millions of people. The placental barrier separates the fetal circulation from maternal blood in the placenta during pregnancy in humans, which plays an essential role in fetal development and health. This barrier tightly controls the exchange of endogenous and exogenous substances between the mother and the developing fetus. One of the major concerns is whether or not the SARS-COV-2 can be vertically transmitted from a pregnant mother to her developing fetus and what fetal anomalies can result from the infection. This review is aimed at evaluating the current knowledge on maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes and transmissibility of SARS-COV- 2 infection. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library until January 2021. The following keywords were used for the search “SARS-COV-2 and pregnancy, SARS-COV-2 transmission to fetus, vertical transmission of SARS-COV-2”. Some authors proposed no maternal-fetal transmission of SARS-COV-2 while other reports suggested a probable vertical transmission of the novel corona virus based on two major evidences. More research and viable data are needed to establish the fact....