Xylopia aethiopica is commonly used in central and west Africa to treat various ailments and as food additives with the highest consumption rate among women. The study evaluated the effects of Xylopia aethiopica fruit extract (XAFE) on estrous cycle duration and the histology of kidney, liver, uterine horn, and ovaries in Wistar rats. Thirty-five female rats were used for the study (15 for estrous cycle and 28-day repeated toxicity). In the estrous cycle study, the rats were allocated into three groups (n=5) and received distilled water, and XAFE at 100mg/kg & 300mg/kg respectively for 28 days. The estrous cycle of each rat was evaluated from the vaginal fluid daily. For the 28-day repeated toxicity, twenty rats were distributed into four groups (n=5) and received distilled water, and XAFE at 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 300mg/kg respectively for 28 days. All the rats were euthanized afterward. The uterine horns, ovaries, kidneys and livers were dissected and processed for light microscopy. Treatment with XAFE significantly increased estrous cycle duration (7.18±0.17 & 7.22±0.24) relative to the control (5.40±0.10). The ovary of rats treated with XAFE at 300mg/kg and 200mg/kg showed degenerating follicles and mild distortion of the endometrial epithelium respectively. Pyknosis and mild renal tubular distortion were observed in the liver and kidney respectively of rats treated with 300mg/kg XAFE. In conclusion, prolonged consumption of XAFE alters the development of ovarian follicles thereby prolonging estrous cycle duration. This could lead to infertility in females by delaying or preventing conception. ...
Using data obtained from ultrasonography measurement, this study examined the correlation between the sonographic gallbladder and bile duct dimensions with Body Mass Index (BMI) and body surface area among adolescents in northern Nigeria. Four hundred volunteers (200 males and 200 females) ranging between 18 – 35 years were selected through multistage sampling techniques from a cross-sectional sample of undergraduate medical students of the College of Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna state Nigeria. Sonographic examinations were done by a single consultant radiologist to avoid interobserver error. Examinations were done with the subject lying prone according to the agreed scanning techniques described by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine Proceedings, 2007. The anthropometric measurements were done using direct method. There are significant differences (P...
This study investigated the effects of pre- and postnatal caffeine ingestion on the frontal cortex of experimental mice. Thirty-two (n=32) pregnant mice (Mus musculus) were divided into four groups: group A control, received distilled water; group B received caffeine- 10 mg/kg body weight; group C received caffeine- 50 mg/kg body weight; and group D received caffeine- 120 mg/kg body weight. The study was categorised into two phases; Phase I investigated prenatal caffeine exposure with half number of offspring sacrificed at birth. In Phase II, caffeine exposure continued till postnatal Day 35, marking puberty. Following sacrifice, brain specimens were processed using the H&E, Feulgen DNA and GFAP histological and histochemical techniques. Examination of cortical histoarchitecture showed that the caffeine- 120 mg/kg treated group had the most adverse effects with mortality soon after birth. Neuronal morphological heterogeneity was observed at doses higher than 10 mg/kg and these effects persisted till puberty. Astrocyte morphologies and patterns of dendrites were altered relative to the controls at puberty. Caffeine exposure altered the pattern of brain cell development by altering morphologies, patterns of elaboration and spatial distribution. Effects were dose-dependent....
Ulcers particularly duodenal ulcers have remained a nagging problem despite the availability of drugs. This implies an uncertainty about a permanent treatment as ulcers are currently being managed. This study investigated the protective and therapeutic effects of unripe and ripe fermented Carica papaya (C.papaya) juice compared to omeprazole on ibuprofeninduced duodenal ulcer using adult Wistar rat model. Thirty-five adult Wistar rats were placed into seven groups (N=5). Group-A, the control was given distilled water (1ml). GroupB (ibuprofen treatment only) was induced with duodenal ulcer using ibuprofen (400mg/Kg BW) Group-C and Group-D were administered fermented unripe and ripe C.papaya respectively (0.75ml extract+0.25ml distilled water) six hours after administration of the ibuprofen; the administration of the fermented extract continued for a period of 14 days. Group-E and Group-F (pre-treated fermented ripe and unripe C.papaya extract respectively) received fermented unripe and ripe C.papaya respectively at first for 12 days. Additionally, on days 12 to 14, a single daily dose of ibuprofen (400mg/kg BW) was administered to the same groups of rats. Group-G (omeprazole) were induced with duodenal ulcer [ibuprofen (400mg/kg BW)] and after six hours, omeprazole was administered to the rats; the drug was administered daily (single dose) and continued for a period of 14 days. All administration was done orally. Phytochemical screening identified alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides and phenols in C.papaya juice. Pre-treatment with fermented C.papaya juice showed significant antagonistic improvement in body weight, behavioural activities, antioxidant and oxidative stress markers, and histological demonstration. These findings suggest that the extracts have both ameliorative and protective effects and may prove useful in the management of duodenal ulcers....
Food and environmental toxins have increased female infertility in recent years. Dietary monosodium glutamate is ovotoxic. Allium sativum is reputed for its great therapeutic value. Based on this premise, this study attempted to evaluate Allium sativum's potential protective or ameliorative function in the adverse effect of monosodium glutamate-induced ovarian toxicity. Twenty-five female Wistar rats (150-200g) were utilized for this study. The experimental rats following acclimatization were assigned into five groups, A-E (n=5). The control as placebo received 0.03mL saline for 28 days. Monosodium glutamate (4mg/kg) solution was administered to rats in groups B-E for 14 days. Following that, groups C and D received 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of Allium sativum ethanolic extract respectively, while group E received 200 mg/kg of Vitamin C for 14 days respectively. Administrations were via the orogastric route. Data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA and mean comparisons done by the Student Neuman-Keul’s test. Graph pad Prism version 5.1 was used for analysis, pvalues ? 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The administration of monosodium glutamate in the monosodium glutamate-only group (group B) showed a significant (p=0.05) increase in the number of atretic follicles as compared to Allium sativum treated groups and control. Administration of monosodium glutamate resulted in a high level of ovarian histological derangement and loss of glycogen components which was ameliorated by Allium sativum extract treatments, however dose-dependent. Allium sativum demonstrated dosedependent ameliorative potentials as evident in its role in remedying the damage caused by monosodium glutamate-induced follicular atresia, ovarian histological derangement, and glycogen degradation. ...
Cardiovascular risk diseases (CVDs), which are among the most difficult health issues, are of global concern in emerging nations. However, among the ethnic minorities in Nigeria, the best screening tools for this nutritional relationship, including the hip and neck circumferences (HC and NC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), second and fourth digit lengths (L2 and L4), and digit ratios have not been well presented. This study set out to identify local predictive models between dietary characteristics and digit lengths in the Idoma population, as well as to offer nutritional markers of CVDs. After receiving, filling out, and returning informed permission forms, 617 healthy Idoma individuals between the ages of 11 and 19 were randomly selected. The Ahmadu Bello University Zaria research committee provided an ethical report, and the study was carried out between February 11, 2021, and November 19, 2022. Digital stadiometer and inelastic measuring tape were used to measure the nutritional parameters, which include HC, NC, BMI, WHR, and L2, L4 and 2D:4D ratios, respectively. When digit lengths and ratios (L2, L4, and 2D:4D) are known, none of the nutritional status screening tests used to identify CVDs in Idoma participants appeared to be outside of normal ranges, and the predictor (R2 Adjusted) was greater in females than in males (R2 = 0.67 and 0.52, P...
Stature estimation has a significant importance in the field of forensic anthropology. Assessment of the height of an individual, from measurements of different parts of the body, has always been of immense interest to anatomists, anthropologists and forensic experts. Stature is fundamental to establishing an individual’s identity. The present study was designed to generate regression equations for stature estimation using demi span, biaxillary, hand and foot lengths and sitting height, in some ethnic populations of Yakurr, Cross River State. The subjects (male n = 400 and female n = 400) were adult indigenes of Agoi, Ayiga, Ekoi and Lokaa between the ages of 18 and 32 years from Yakurr LGA. The participants were mostly students in College of Nursing and non-students of the named communities. Weight, demispan length, biaxillary length, hand length, foot length and sitting height of each individual were measured. The data were analysed statistically using SigmaStat 3.5 (Systat Inc., San Rafael, CA). Statistical analysis indicated that the difference in demi span length, hand length, foot length and sitting height between male and female was statistically significant (P< 0.05). Correlation coefficients between stature and the dimensions measured were found to be highly significant and positively correlated with stature in both sexes. Linear regression models and multiple regression models were derived for estimation of stature from the different anthropometric measurements. Multiple regression models estimate stature with greater accuracy than the linear regression models. The study shows that estimation of stature can be made possible using various anthropometric dimensions of the body, however, sitting height was more reliable in estimating stature in both male and female subjects. ...
The benefits of dietary supplements like co-enzyme Q10 (CQ10) and omega-3 fatty acids in reducing the burden of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease (PD) has recently become the focus of research. Also, because mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage have been linked to the development of Parkinsonism, the use of coenzyme-Q10 and omega-3 fatty acid has been suggested. This study examined the effects of CQ10 and omega-3 fatty acid in haloperidol induced mouse model of PD. Sixty Adult male mice weighing 30-35g each were assigned into six groups (A-F) of 10animals each. Group A control, fed standard diet, Group B, ip haloperidol (HAL) while groups C, oral Levodopa Cabidopa (LD) plus ip haloperidol, D and E, CQ1O diet (120 mg/kg of feed) and omega-3 fatty acid (500 mg/kg of feed) diet respectively, following ip haloperidol. Group F co-administered CQ10 and omega-3 fatty acid diet with ip haloperidol. All were administered daily for 28 days. Behaviour of mice in catalepsy bar test was assessed, following which animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Cerebral sections were homogenized for tumour necrotic factor ? (TNF-?) and cerebellar cortex also processed for histological study. Result showed a significant decrease in catalepsy score with HAL.CQ10.?-3 (p= 0.001) and an increase with HAL and HAL.LD. TNF-? decreased significantly with HAL.?-3, HAL.CQ10.?-3 and increased with HAL and HAL.LD. Haematoxylin and Eosin of the cerebellar cortex showed moderately depleted and cromatolyzed purkinje cells with HAL and HAL.LD, which appeared ameliorated in CQ10.?-3F.HAL and HAL.CQ10 groups. The study concluded that CQ10 or omega3 fatty acid alone or as adjunct, exerts ameliorative effects on neuroinflammation in haloperidol induced Parkinsonism in mice. ...
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of calcium carbide ripened banana on the histological parameters of maternal and foetal liver in Wistar rats. Unripe bananas were subdivided into four groups; with three artificially ripened, using calcium carbide and one ripened via non artificial means. The pulp of these fruits were mixed with pelletized feeds and orally administrated to the Wistar rats for three weeks during and before pregnancy. Histological analysis was carried out on two groups of female wistar rats receiving different doses of calcium. Results show an infiltration of inflammatory cells, moderate congestion of hepatic vessels, distortion of hepatic tissues and architecture, before and during pregnancy. While further examination during pregnancy revealed moderate congestion of hepatic vessels, distortion of hepatic tissues and architecture, etc. Findings from this study suggest that consumption of calcium carbide ripened bananas is causing changes in the histological profiles of pregnant women. This may eventually result in severe health hazards and liver damage ...
Thies changes in some biochemical parameters of maternal and foetal liver induced by consumption of calcium carbide ripened banana in Wistar rats. Unripe bananas were subdivided into four groups; with three artificially ripened using calcium carbide and one ripened via non artificial means. Experimental design consisted of two groups (before and during pregnancy; during pregnancy only). The rats were randomly assigned to a control group which received only food and water and a test group which were fed calcium carbide for a period of 3 weeks before pregnancy. Upon pregnancy, exposure to calcium carbide was continued until day 19. The animals from each group were then sacrificed and blood was collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Results obtained showed significant (p?0.05) increase in values of AST when groups were compared to positive control group during and before pregnancy. A decrease in ALT levels were observed in all the groups when compared with negative group with no significant difference. ABL, Tbil and Dbil levels showes no significant difference when compared to control group. Consumption of calcium carbide is toxic to the liver of female wistar rats and may be deleterious to human health following long- term exposure. ...
Even though the somatotype gives a gestalt summary of the body physique and composition, by extension, a morphological marker of a predisposition to various illnesses, the somatotype and associated factors in Nigerian type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have not been fully explored. This study aimed to provide new information on the somatotype and its associated factors in a sample of patients with T2DM in Nigeria. The sample population comprised 40 males and 50 females with confirmed T2DM, aged 30-65, randomly selected and recruited for the study. Blood biochemical parameters, blood pressure and other covariates were collected from the subjects who met the inclusion criteria, and subsequently, they were somatotyped using the Heath and Carter method. In the T2DM patients, mean somatotypes: were 5.8-4.9-0.6 (mesomorphic endomorph) in females and mean somatotype: was 4.3-4.61.1 (endomorphic mesomorph) in the males and were statistically different (F = 5.58, P = 0.021). In this study, gender, level of education, occupation, T2DM disease duration, HbA1c, hypertension, total cholesterol, triglyceride, body mass index (BMI) and physical activities were significant predictors of endomorphy and mesomorphy (p...
Insulin-resistance and type-2 diabetes are associated with altered cognitive function, both conditions have been linked to neurodegenerative disease which is a progressive impairment in the functionality of the brain usually resulting from loss or death of neurons traceable to multiple causes. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic potentials of transcinnamaldehyde (TCA) on the behavioral and histomorphology of cerebrum of high fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) induced insulin-resistant in Wistar rats. Forty Wistar rats were fed with HFD for 8 weeks and then treated with STZ (30 mg/kg intraperitoneally) to induce insulin resistance. 40 and 60 mg/kg of TCA were orally administered for 4 weeks once daily after the induction of the insulin resistance. Thereafter, open field test (OPT) was used to determine line crossing and rearing frequency, histological examination (haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Cresyl fast violet (CFV-to show the Nissl substance in neurons and cell nuclei), and immunohistological assessments to quantify the level of betaamyloid, Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN), were conducted. HFD and STZ induced insulin- resistant caused behavioral alteration, changes in cerebral histoarchitecture, pyknotic pyramidal neurons, sparse Nissl distribution, hypertrophied astrocytes, amyloid plaque formation, however TCA administration to insulinresistant rats reduced pyknosis, astrogliosis, and neurodegenerative changes in the cerebrum when compared with untreated insulin-resistant rats. The study concluded that TCA protected the cerebrum from insulin-resistance-induced behavioural deficits and neuronal degeneration. The study recommended that trans-cinnamaldehyde be explored as a therapy for insulinresistance-induced neurodegenerative changes...
Errors can easily be introduced into anthropometry measurements. The measurer’s confidence may not be equal between same-sex and opposite-sex measuring, hence the need to evaluate and compare errors arising from anthropometric measurement when participants are measured by a practitioner of the same gender and vice versa. A sample of 100 students of Ebonyi State University (60 males and 40 females, aged between 18 and 45 years) was used for this study. From this number were extracted 17 different parameters by a trained male anthropometrist. A separate sub-sample of 59 adults (20 males and 39 females) was measured for skinfold thickness at eight sites by a trained female anthropometrist. Comparison of two sets of measurements extracted by a male indicated that first set measured did not differ significantly from the second set apart from the neck girth measurements. However, when a male anthropometrist extracted measurements on females, nine parameters’ measurements significantly differed (P...
Demonstration of somatic cells (SC) in the last few years been performed commonly by the method of Prescott and Breed. Other advanced techniques have been developed to demonstrate SC. Most of these methods are rather time-consuming and expensive. Demonstrating SC using a more rapid, less expensive, readily available and accurate method is of great value. This study demonstrated SC using modified staining technique with Methylene Blue (MB), Toluidine Blue (TB) and Hematoxylin (HX) stains. Milk was obtained from healthy cows at Zango Stall Barn, Zaria. Milk (3 ml) from each cow was aseptically collected. Smears were made by using 10 µl of the milk samples and immediately stained in freshly prepared MB, TB and HX for two minutes each. The stained slides were examined using light microscope. Staining characteristics and the general appearance of the somatic cellular structures were observed, and their photomicrographs captured using digital microscope camera. The results revealed features of the SC stained with MB to be preserved and distinctly stained with a clearly differentiated background aiding visualization and identification. Staining with HX revealed no distinct affinity for SC in the smears with poorly demonstrated SC. HX stain mostly reacted with the background features. The TB stained smear presented a slightly homogenous staining background giving it a blurry appearance with less affinity for fat droplets. In conclusion, the modified staining protocol with MB stain for demonstrating SC is satisfactory with well-preserved cellular features. This protocol is recommended for adoption in biomedical research and diagnostics in emergency cases. ...
Populations vary genetically and geographically in their craniofacial features, which are largely influenced by race, age, sex, and culture. The aim of this study was to comparatively analyze the craniofacial parameters of the Atyap, Bajju, Chawai, and Ham ethnic groups from southern Kaduna, Kaduna State. These ethnic groups share common geographical and cultural attributes. The study involved 830 subjects: 210 Atyap (121 males, 89 females), 200 Bajju (117 males, 83 females), 215 Chawai (134 males, 81 females), and 205 Ham (116 males, 89 females), aged between 17 and 50 years. The data were collected randomly using a systematic sampling method from districts covering the four ethnic groups. The results showed that there is a significant difference between males and females of the four ethnic groups in their craniofacial parameters, except in the middle 3rd parameter. Additionally, the results showed sexual dimorphism between males and females of the four ethnic groups, except for the Chawai ethnic group. In conclusion, the study indicates that there is a significant difference in the craniofacial parameters of the four ethnic groups. The ethnic groups have mesocephalic cranial shapes and hyper-euryprosopic facial shape...
Understanding skeletal relationship in the human body are essential for clinical diagnosis, design of prostheses and biological profiling in forensics. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the femoral head diameter (FHD) and the intertrochanteric line diameter (ILD) of adult Nigerians in South-South Nigeria, using radiologic approach. A total of 250 (125 males and 125 females) normal antero-posterior (AP) X-ray films of the pelvis were used. The average value of FHD for the right and left sides were 5.52 ± 0.02 and 5.56 ± 0.02 for males and 4.98 ±0.02 and 4.98 ± 0.28 for females respectively. While the ILD had 8.56 ±0.04 and 8.60±0.04 for males and 7.67±0.06 and 7.65±0.06 for females. Test for bilaterism showed no significant difference (p?0.05). Both the FHD and ILD were significantly higher in males compared to females (p...
Gluteus maximus is a hip extensor, originating from the posterior surface of ilium and inserting on the gluteal tuberosity and ilio-tibial tract. Adductor longus is a thigh adductor which inserts to the middle- 1/3 of linea aspera. Overuse, repetitive use as well as some pathological conditions may predispose to tendon ossification of these muscles. We present a rare case of co- existing tendon ossifications of gluteus maximus and adductor longus observed as a bony spur (bony piece) attached to the gluteal tuberosity and middle-1/3 of Linea aspera respectively. The bony insertion tendon of gluteus maximus measured 61.77 mm in length, 10.63 mm in maximum breadth and 6.06 mm in height while that of adductor longus measured 29.46 mm in length, 10.13 mm in breadth and 7.86 mm in height. Both bony spurs had short grooves on their posterior surfaces. Ossification of insertion tendon of gluteus maximus may exert pressure effect on left circumflex femoral artery while that of adductor longus may compress on the perforating arteries. Knowledge of these ossified tendons is required to prevent damage to neurovascular structures during orthopaedic procedures, misinterpretation of radiological films and misdiagnosis of malignant lesions. ...
Weaning period is a vulnerable phase in which malnutrition can set in and this frequently results in loss of priceless mental abilities and occasionally, physical problems. The current study sought to determine if Nigella sativa oil (NSO) could protect Wistar rats against behavioural and biochemical alterations brought on by early weaning. Twelve rats pups were selected at random. Rats in the control group were weaned on Postnatal day (PND) 28, while the second and third groups (the early weaned (EW) groups) were weaned on PND 18. Following weaning, the second group (EW) were given standard rodent feed and the third group (EW + NSO) additionally received 25 ml/kg of Nigella sativa oil till the PND 35. On PND 33, the rats had open field tests to measure their exploratory and locomotor behavior, and their brains were excised on PND 35. For histochemical analysis, Cresyl Fast Violet, and Hematoxylene and Eosin stains were employed. Cerebellar tissue slices were also processed utilizing glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as oxidative stress markers. EW rats showed an increase in locomotor and exploratory behavior as well as a significant decline in cerebellum SOD, GPx, and MDA levels. EW + NSO rats showed lower locomotor and exploratory activity levels, higher levels of oxidizing enzymes, and lower MDA levels. These results show that NSO protected the cerebellum against oxidative stress-related damage that occurs following early weaning. In this investigation, oral mode of administration was used....
Anthropometric indices of central obesity such as waist circumference, waist hip ratio and body mass index is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) including hypertension (HT) which is itself a risk factor for CVDs. Recent studies suggest that waist circumference (WC) may be more sensitive than Body Mass Index (BMI) in determining individual risk scores for CVDs. The current study aimed at investigating the risk of hypertension among civil servants using waist to hip ratio and body mass index. A cross sectional design was employed for the study,and participants selected by convenience sampling. Informed consent was obtained from 200 male and female civil servants working in the University of Port Harcourt and measurements were performed for each participant. Blood pressure was measured and a descriptive statistical analysis done. The main mean values obtained for systolic blood pressure of male was 131.59 and the standard deviation was 16.26, while the female was 128.77 and the standard deviation was 16.76. The main mean values for diastolic blood pressure of male was 78.43 and standard deviation was 11.83, while the female was 79.95 and standard deviation was 10.93. There was no statistical significant difference when the test of significant (t-test) was conducted. The main mean values for the weight of male was 65.92 and the standard deviation was 11.74, while the female was 56.06 and the standard deviation was 12.1, indicating no statistical significant difference. The main mean values for the height of male was 165.22 and the standard deviation was 7.05 while for female was 161.77 and the standard deviation was 9.50, indicating no sexual dimorphism when the test of significance was conducted. The main mean values for body mass index for male and female were 24.95±4.26 and 22.19 ±4.34 respectively. There was statistical significant difference (sexual dimorphism) when the test of significant (t-test) was conducted. Moreso, there was no statistical significant difference when the test of significance (t-test) was conducted for waist circumference (WC), where the male and female mean values were 37.05±4.03 and 38.00±4.86 respectively. The mean values for hip circumference of male and female were repectively 41.72±5.07 and 42.26± 5.13 with no statistical significant difference following the test of significance (t-test). There was significant correlation between anthropometric indices of central obesity such as WC, WHR and BMI with hypertension. The study indicated that there is an increased risk in hypertension when; waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and BMI are high. ...
Intensive use of Chlorpyrifos (CPF) especially in developing countries for crop protection and improve yield has been reported to cause neurodegenerative diseases in animal models and humans. Therefore, there is a need to assess the phytotherapeutic potentials of Moringa oleifera in CPF-induced neurotoxicity. This study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative efficacy of ethanol leaf extract of Moringa oleifera (EEM) on CPF -induced hippocampal and dentate gyrus neurotoxicity using histological methods. Thirty Wistar rats were categorized into five (5) groups with six rats in each group. The control group received Soya oil (2 ml/kg), another group received EEM (200 mg/kg), another group administered CPF (52.6 mg/kg), and two other groups were administered CPF (52.6 mg/kg) and subsequently treated with EEM (200 mg/kg) and Vitamin C (100 mg/kg), respectively. Treatments were via the oral route and lasted for fourteen days, while CPF administration was once on the first day of experimentation. On day 15, rat brains were harvested and fixed in Bouin’s fluid, and histological assessment was conducted using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stains for routine histological analysis. Histopathological examination revealed normal histological architecture of neurons in the control and EEM groups, while CPF (52.6 mg/kg) group revealed distorted histoarchitecture of the hippocampal and dentate gyrus regions. While CPF (52.6 mg/kg) + EEM (200 mg/kg) group showed improved histoarchitecture. In conclusion, ethanol leaf extract of Moringa oleifera possesses potential neuroprotective properties against chlorpyrifos-triggered neurodegenerative changes in the hippocampal and dentate gyrus regions of Wistar rats....
Thryonomys swinderianus (African grasscutter, AGC) is a breeding species widely spread across Sub-Sahara Africa and recently reported as potential model in neuroscience researches. Striato-pallidal (caudate-putamen, CPu, and globus pallidus, GP) nuclei are subcortical structures that play critical roles including planned voluntary movements in mammals. Hence, elucidating certain regions of AGC brain is critical in understanding the neurobiology of the species. This study described the brain morphologic features and characterized striato-pallidal microscopic features of AGCs. Four AGCs were obtained from a farm in Zaria. AGCs were euthanized, fixed-perfused and the brains harvested for morphologic (brain features and dimensions) and microscopic examination (histological features using H&E stains, and Nissl substances using Cresyl fast violet stain) of striatopallidal regions. CPu was characterized into six-defined quadrants, and histometric features of the fascicules were analyzed. AGC brains were milky in color with sulcal depressions. AGC mean brain weight was greater than 11g and brain length (rostro-caudal) greater than 45mm. Microscopically, section through the cerebrum revealed a subcortical striatum with distinct CPu and GP. These nuclei revealed varying neuronal cells types and glial cells. CPu demonstrated pockets of white mater patches (fasciculi), with varying sizes and abundance across the quadrants. Histometric analysis of fasciculi within the characterized six quadrants showed difference (p...
We employed a rodent model to typify histomorphological changes connected to dementia-like symptoms and co-morbid insulin resistance; we examined cortical neuronal density and morphological changes; evaluated amyloid (A?) deposits and probed the association between phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), serine/threonine Protein kinase (AKT) and glycogen synthase kinase 3? (GSK3?) activity and oral curcumin regimen. 36 adult Wistar rats were randomized into six groups (n=6), control group rats received 1ml olive oil; the curcumin group received 200mg/kg BW curcumin; the diabetic model received HFD for 60 days, then three doses of 40mg/kg BW of streptozotocin (STZ); protective group were administered HFD, three doses of 40mg/kg BW of STZ and a concurrent treatment with 200mg/kg BW curcumin within 60 days; The preventive group rats received a pretreatment of 200mg/kg BW of curcumin, HFD for 60 days and three doses of 40mg/kg BW of STZ; the therapeutic group rats were administered HFD, three doses of 40mg/kg BW of STZ within 60 days, followed by 200mg/kg BW of curcumin for 21 days; Cortical sections were stained for microscopic investigations. ELISA was used for quantifying PI3K, AKT and GSK3? activity. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Turkey’s post hoc test. p...
This study evaluated the effects of exposure to constituents of firewood, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas on cardiopulmonary and some anthropometry parameters among women in Samaru area of Sabon Gari Local Government, Kaduna state. 300 female subjects of the age between 18-50 years participated in the research: 100 of which use firewood (group 1); 100 use kerosene stove (group 2); and 100 use liquefied gas stove (group 3/control). Simple random sampling technique was used to select the subjects. Auscultatory method was used for blood pressure measurement, peak flow meter was used for measurement of forced expiratory flow rate, while full body sensor machine was used to record body mass index, resting metabolism, visceral fat, body fat percentage and skeletal muscle percentage of the subjects. The result of this study showed the firewood users had significantly higher blood pressure than the rest of the groups, based on ANOVA. The peak expiratory flow rate of the groups that use firewood and kerosene were significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to the group that use gas. The result of visceral fat was also significantly higher in the firewood group users, compared to kerosene and gas users. However, there was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in body mass index, resting metabolism, body fat percentage and skeletal muscle percentage between the three groups. In conclusion, the present study indicated that the use of firewood and kerosene for cooking purposes significantly affected cardiopulmonary parameters, which emphasizes the need for alternative, cleaner sources of energy in households that currently rely on firewood and kerosene....