Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the primary culprit behind anovulatory infertility and is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders affecting women of childbearing age. The aim of the study was to explore the impact of Lycopersicon esculentum isolate on PCOS induced by letrozole in female Wistar rats. Twenty female Wistar rats weighing 120-150 g were divided into four groups; Group A (normal saline), Group B (5 mg of lycopene), Group C (1 mg of letrozole and 5 mg of lycopene) and Group D (1 mg of letrozole). Ovaries were processed for histological, immuno-histochemical and biochemical assays. The results revealed a significant increase in the final body and ovarian weight in the PCOS (LETZ) rats. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining showed attenuation of ovarian morphological disruption while periodic acidic Schiff staining revealed degeneration of the zona pellucida in the ovaries. However, Masson Trichrome staining revealed increased ovarian collagen fibers in Lycopene-treated PCOS rats compared with other groups. These significant increases in body and ovarian weight, malondialdehyde concentration, testosterone, luteinizing hormones, insulin and fasting gluocose level in PCOS treated rats was later decrease in PCOS (LETZ) rats treated with lycopene. The present results demonstrate that Lycopersicon esculentum may have antioxidant properties to attenuate metabolic and endocrine disorders underlying polycystic ovarian syndrome....
Levonorgestrel, a dedicated emergency contraceptive, is prone to abuse by women of reproductive age group. We evaluated the modulatory effects of varying and repeated doses of the drug on lipid profiles in female rats. Twenty adult female Wistar rats were randomized into four groups. The normal and positive control groups received 0.2 ml/kg normal saline at 48-hour interval and 0.004 mg/kg oral levonorgestrel once at one (1) week interval respectively. While the 2 test groups, received 0.004 mg/kg and 0.008 mg/kg/ oral levonorgestrel at 48-hour interval six (6) weeks. The 48-hour exposure interval was designed to simulate abuse use of levonorgestrel (0.004 mg/kg) at both regular and high (0.008 mg/kg) doses. Levonorgestrel increased significantly hepatic, renal and cardiac total cholesterol irrespective of the administered regimen. Furthermore, there was significant increase in hepatic and cardiac phospholipids but reduced cardiac triglycerides in the test groups. We concluded that frequent use of oral levonorgestrel alters lipid profiles in a murine model....
Anatomical variations in the celiac trunk and hepatic artery are critical for clinical practice, particularly in regions with unique population characteristics. This study investigated the relationship between celiac trunk, hepatic artery dimensions and their sex differences among Hausa subjects in Northern Nigeria. This cross-sectional study utilized three-dimensional multi-detector computerized tomography data from 93 subjects (48 males and 45 females) aged 25 years and above, collected from Department of Radiology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, Nigeria. Measurements of length and diameter of celiac trunk and hepatic artery were taken. The mean length of celiac trunk was 17.65 ± 5.00 mm, and that of common hepatic artery was 27.12 ± 2.85 mm. The mean diameter of the celiac trunk was 7.68 ± 1.88 mm, while that of proper hepatic artery was 5.5 ± 1.02 mm, with significant sex differences observed in all dimensions except for the diameter of the celiac trunk and diameter of proper hepatic. Males generally exhibited higher mean values than females across all parameters. The study found significant sexual dimorphism in the dimensions of the celiac trunk and hepatic artery, with most dimensions correlating positively with each other. These findings underscore the importance of considering sex differences in clinical assessments and interventions within this population....
Cancer is a multifactorial disease caused by combined genetic and non-genetic changes. Breast cancer being the second leading cause of death in women. A large percentage of known anticancer medicines are derived from various plant species. Dennettia tripetala has been found to contain vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that possess anticancer properties. The study was aimed at examining the anticancer activity of aqueous and ethanol extract of Dennettia tripetala fruit on the morphology MCF-7 cell lines. 150 g of the ground fruit was soaked in 1.5 L of distilled water and ethanol to produce aqueous and ethanol extracts respectively. Both extracts obtained were concentrated to 6.25, 12.5 and 25.0 µg/ml. Cell viability was determined using trypan blue and hemocytometer while morphological changes were examined, by using an inverted microscope. MCF-7 cell was cultured and subcultured at confluence before treating with, 5-fluorouracil drug as positive control, dimethyl sulfoxide as negative control and the extracts of Dennettia tripetala. Cell viability decreased significantly in a dose-time manner. Morphological observation showed distortion of the MCF-7 cell, after treatment with the extracts, especially at 25 µg/ml after 48 and 72 hrs. In conclusion, Dennettia tripetala fruit have potency to decrease the viability and result in morphological damage of MCF-7 cancer cells....
Among its various applications, the stem juice of Costus afer has gained attention in the scientific community for its potential in tissue repair and regeneration. This study was carried out to assess the expression of hyaluronic acid synthase 3 (HAS3) in wounds treated with C. afer stem juice extracts. Ninety-six adult Wistar rats were used for the study. The rats were equally divided into four groups: A, B, C, and D for each procedure. Each group was subdivided equally into four observational groups for the investigation of the healing process through 24 hours, 72 hours, 120 hours, and complete healing. The rats were wounded on their dorsum under ketamine hydrochloride anesthesia. The rats were treated only on the first day according to their groups. Group A wounds were left without treatment, group; B were treated with honey gel; group C were treated with heat-dried extract of C. afer stem juice; and group D was treated with freeze-dried extract of C. afer stem juice. The result of the study showed that both extracts showed similar patterns of HAS3 expression until the late stages of wound healing, during which expression of HAS3 in group D was decreased, while it was increased in group C. However, group D wounds showed the highest expression of HAS3 throughout the period of observation. In conclusion, the stem juice extracts of C. afer modulated the expression of HAS3 during wound healing, with higher expression levels from treatment with the freeze-dried extract....
The most common cause of lung diseases among people with formaldehyde-related occupations is formaldehyde poisoning which has significant morbidity and mortality if left untreated. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Psidium guajava on formaldehyde-induced interstitial pneumonitis in adult Wistar rats. Thirty (30) adult Wistar rats weighing between 240 g and 270 g were divided into five (5) groups of six (6) rats per group. Group A rats were administered feed and water only; Group B rats were exposed to 40% formaldehyde via inhalation; Group C rats received 500 mg/kg body weight per day (BWT/D) of Psidium guajava; Group D rats were exposed to 40% formaldehyde via inhalation and received 250 mg/kg BWT/D of Psidium guajava; Group E rats were exposed to 40% formaldehyde via inhalation and received 500 mg/kg BWT/D of Psidium guajava. The dosages of the extract were given for 30 consecutive days via an orogastric tube. Groups A, C, D, and E revealed normal histoarchitecture of the lung; normal alveoli, patent bronchiolar lumen, and normal arteries. There were observable histological variations in the lung tissues of Group B rats which include severe bronchiolar mucosal ulceration, interstitial infiltrates of inflammatory cells, interstitial congestion, and interstitial hemorrhage. These injuries are consistent with usual histological findings in interstitial pneumonitis. It was concluded that Psidium guajava had an ameliorative effect on formaldehyde-induced interstitial pneumonitis in Wistar rats....
Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam), a highly lipophilic benzodiazepine derivative, is commonly used in treating seizures and sleep disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the histomorphological changes in the hippocampus and the associated neurobehavioral effects on spatial memory in mice following exposure to Rohypnol. Forty adult mice, bred in the Animal House of the College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, were randomly divided into four groups (n=10 per group). Group A served as the control, while Groups B, C, and D received Rohypnol at doses of 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, and 1.5 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Spatial memory was assessed using the Y-maze and Barnes maze tests. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, and results were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. Statistical significance was determined using ANOVA, with p ? 0.05 considered significant. Histological analysis revealed sparsely distributed glial cells within the neuropil, with congested capillaries and vacuolation of glial cells in the treatment groups compared to the control. Behavioural assessments indicated an increase in escape latency and head dips across all treated groups during the final exposure, alongside a significant decrease in alternation patterns in the Barnes maze, indicating impaired spatial memory. These findings suggest that Rohypnol may induce degenerative changes in the hippocampus, potentially impairing its function....
Styloid process is a bony projection from the inferior part of the petrous temporal bone of the skull. The research aimed to study the styloid process structure and evaluate the prevalence of elongated styloid processes in dry skulls collated by the Department of Anatomical Sciences University of Abuja. A total of 120 dry skulls were used for the research. The length and Inter-styloid distance were measured using a digital Vernier’s calliper. Data were analysed using the IBM SPSS version 23 and descriptive statistics were derived. Results for the mean lengths are as follows: 25.40 mm and 27. 50 mm for the right lateral and right posterior views of the male Styloid processes while 26.60 mm and 27.70 mm are the results for their left lateral and left posterior views. The mean lengths of the female Styloid processes are as follows: 29.67 mm and 26.67 mm for their right lateral and right posterior views while 39.33 mm and 37.00 mm are the values of their left lateral and left posterior views. The mean Interstyloid distance for the male and female skulls are 77.16 mm and 68.20 mm respectively. Results revealed a prevalence of elongated styloid processes in the male and female skulls with a high prevalence in the female skulls. The Inter-styloid distance between both sexes showed a significant difference, this proposes that the Interstyloid distance could be an integral measure for sexual dimorphism....
The African grasscutter (AGC; Thryonomys swinderianus) has been observed to possess unique physiological and structural features enabling them to survive in challenging environments. This behavior displayed by AGCs across different age groups could be attributed to a well-developed CNS where M1 cerebrum plays a critical role. This study described the morphological (gross and microscopic) characteristics of the cerebrum of adult and juvenile AGCs. Eight AGCs were procured and euthanized, brain was excised for morphological characteristics (gyrifification, brain dimensions, and organosomatic index), light microscopic assessment of the cerebral M1 region using H&E stains for histological features, and Cresyl Violet stain for histometric analysis (pyramidal soma size). Results revealed similar gyrification patterns on the dorsal surface of cerebral hemispheres across the age groups. The assessed brain dimensions revealed higher values (p>0.05) for the adult, except in the cerebral dorsoventral length, compared to the juvenile AGCs. The organosomatic index was higher (p0.05) pyramidal soma size values in cerebral M1 layers (III and V), compared to the adult AGCs. In conclusion, morphologic features of the AGC’s brain are relatively similar to those described in other rodents. Variations in the gross and microscopic features of the AGC cerebrum exist across age groups....
Human sexual dimorphism is an outcome of a survival strategy, a balancing of the need for high degree of biological variation within species with the need for a narrow range of variation in the female, who is physically structured for the perinatal support of infant. This study aimed to evaluate sexual dimorphism in anthropometrics of children from the three senatorial zones of Cross River State, Nigeria, viz: southern senatorial zone (SSZ), central senatorial zone (CSZ) and northern senatorial zone (NSZ). The study sample comprised 300 subjects (150 boys and 150 girls) of Cross River State parentage using systematic random sampling and self-administered proforma. The participants were children, age 5 – 11 years. The results showed that length of mandibular arch, hand length and thigh length of girls from SSZ are significantly higher (P ...
Anthropometric studies are very important areas for craniofacial surgery and syndromology. Surgeons use these measurements to understand the unique features of a patient's face, head and body, helping them tailor their surgical approaches for optimal results. It aids in achieving aesthetic and functional improvements. Different syndromes often have distinct physical features and body proportions. By analyzing these measurements, healthcare professionals can diagnose and categorize syndromes, enabling appropriate treatment, genetic counselling, and further research. The study aimed to determine the relationship between head anthropometry (cephalic length and breadth) and somatotype among adolescents of Hausa lineage in Kano Metropolis. The design was cross-sectional. The sample size for the study was 391 subjects comprising male (196) and female (195) subjects with a median age of 15.0 from selected secondary schools in the Kano metropolis. Simple random sampling was employed to select the secondary schools and the participants. Anthropometric somatotyping was used and participants were classified into three basic somatotypes; endomorph, mesomorph and ectomorph. Cephalic anthropometry was measured using standard protocol. Spearman’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between somatotype dominant components and cephalic anthropometry (cephalic length and breadth), stepwise logistic regression analysis was deployed to predict somatotype components from cephalic parameters. A significant correlation was found between cephalic measurements and somatotype components, somatotype components were significantly predicted from cephalic parameters and cephalic breadth was the best predictor. From the findings, it can be concluded that there is an existence of a relationship between cephalic anthropometry and somatotypes of the ethnicity studied....
Exposure to aluminium is associated with neurotoxicity, affecting various parts of the nervous system. The study investigated the neuroprotective potential of ethanolic fruit extract of Phoenix dactylifera (EFPD) and melatonin against aluminium chloride (AlCl3)-induced neurotoxicity in male adult Wistar rats. Rats were divided into six groups: group 1 received 0.2 ml distilled water; group 2 received 5 mg/kg AlCl3; group 3 received 10 mg/kg melatonin and 5 mg/kg AlCl3; group 4 received 500 mg/kg EFPD and 5 mg/kg AlCl3; group 5 received 1000 mg/kg EFPD and 5 mg/kg AlCl3; group 6 received 670 mg/kg vitamin E and 5 mg/kg AlCl3. Extracts were administered for two weeks. At the end of the study, the cerebellum was dissected for histopathological analysis, and blood samples were collected for biochemical assays. Sensory-motor and motor coordination were assessed using Foregrip strength and beam walking tests. Results revealed that oral administration of AlCl3 significantly (p...
Alcohol, a psychoactive drug, is soluble in both water and lipids, due to which it can diffuse to all tissues and affect the normal functioning of the body. Gonadal toxicity is reported as one of the side effects of its long-term consumption. This study examined the possible comparable protective potentials of Lepidium meyenii (LM) and Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on the biological integrities of the testes after exposure to excessive alcohol. Thirty-six adolescent Wistar rats (60– 150 g) were randomly divided into six groups and treated orally for 56 consecutive days. Group treatments included normal saline for the control group, 40% alcohol, LM, NSO, LM+alcohol, and NSO+alcohol. On the 57th day, samples were collected to assess reproductive hormones, sperm analysis, testicular histology and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. The results revealed that excessive alcohol consumption affected the structural integrities of the testes by depleting the mature sperm cell population and actively dividing PCNA immune-reactive cells. The treatment with Lepidium meyenii does not show any significant protective effects on alcohol-induced structural distortion of rats’ testes. However, NSO promises to be effective in protecting against alcohol-induced changes....
Animal models of cerebral ischaemia make a significant contribution to the knowledge of the pathogenesis of stroke and its methods of management. Many treatments have failed to reduce neuronal injury in cerebral ischaemia, prompting the exploration of new treatment models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant potential of Lasianthera africana aqueous extract (LAAE), which is rich in phenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C, against induced ischemic stroke in adult male albino rats. Forty adult male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups, each with eight rats. The control was group A, which received water only. Group B received 2500 mg/kg of LAAE orally daily for 10 days. Group C had bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) only. Group D received 2500 mg/kg of LAAE orally for 10 days before BCCAO, and Group E underwent BCCAO before receiving 2500 mg/kg of LAAE for 10 days. The study assessed various parameters, namely morphology, neurobehavioral, biochemical, and histological. Biochemical factors assessed were: superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Lasianthera africana aqueous extract ameliorated certain neurobehavioral impairments and attenuated the decreased activities of SOD, CAT, GSH, and reduced lipid peroxidation, caused by acute cerebral ischaemia. Additionally, it improved BCCAO-induced histopathological alteration in the cerebral cortex and CA1 hippocampal neurons. In conclusion, L. africana extract demonstrated neuroprotective effects against acute cerebral ischaemia induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. Notably, its neuroprotective potential was more pronounced when administered before the onset of cerebral ischaemia....
Exposure to chronic cigarette smoking during pregnancy into infancy results in numerous morphological and behavioral consequences in infants, children, and adolescents. Cigarette smoke is a reproductive toxicant, demonstrating a strong relationship between smoking and impaired fertility. This study aimed to determine the morphometric and histopathological changes that may result in the testes and external genitalia following perinatal exposure to chronic cigarette smoking in Wistar pups. Male pups of dams exposed to two Rothmans cigarettes (nicotine= 0.9 mg, Tar= 7 mg) twice daily for 3 weeks post establishment of vaginal plug to 3 weeks postpartum delivery of dams (n=10), were compared to pups exposed to normal ventilation (n=10; Control). At postnatal day 49, the testes and epididymis of all male pups in both groups were excised, weighed, and processed for histopathological and histomorphometric analysis. Data collected were expressed as mean ± SEM and analyzed using the student’s Newman-Kleus test at p...
Heavy metal exposure is a global health problem and their presence in our environment has been greatly increased by industrial activities over the past century. Manganese is an essential trace metal in the body. However, exposure to elevated levels is neurotoxic, leading to manganism, a Parkinsonian-like syndrome. In the present study, we investigated the effects of D-ribose-L-cysteine on behavioral and histological changes in key brain regions (including, the hippocampus, cortex, striatum, and cerebellum) in rats following manganese treatment. Thirtytwo adult rats were administered either saline (control), manganese (25 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 15 days at 48 hour intervals in 8 doses), D-ribose-L-cysteine (200 mg/kg, orally for 2 weeks), and manganese (Mn) and Dribose-L-cysteine co-administration. At the end of the administration, behavioral and histological studies were performed. The Y-maze, elevated plus maze (EPM), and open field test (OFT) were used for neurobehavioral evaluation. Thereafter, brains were excised and processed for histological assessment via routine hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results revealed only mild behavioural change following manganese exposure documented by alterations in grooming frequency as seen in the Mn-only group. Nevertheless, the behavioural change noted here was attenuated by D-ribose-L-cysteine treatment evident in the manganese and D-ribose-L-cysteine coadministration group. Histological evaluation showed cytoarchitectural alterations following manganese exposure presented as pyknosis, vacuolations, and loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells. D-ribose-L-cysteine administration mitigated the observed manganese-induced distortions of neuronal architecture. These findings indicate that Dribose-L-cysteine could improve anxiety-related behavioural deficits and maintain neuronal architecture thereby preventing potential physiological impairments in manganese-induced neurotoxicity....
This study explored the relationship between handedness, 2D:4D ratio, and personality traits among the Hausa ethnic group in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Data from 500 participants aged 18-30 were analysed using a cross-sectional design and simple random sampling, confirming Hausa ethnicity and Nigerian origin. Handedness was assessed via the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory questionnaire, while the 2D:4D ratio was measured with a Vernier caliper. Personality traits were evaluated using the Big Five Inventory questionnaire. Significant associations were found between the 2D:4D ratio and openness to experience, neuroticism, and consciousness. Right-handedness (RHD) exhibited positive associations with openness to experience, consciousness, and agreeableness, while lefthandedness (LHD) correlated with neuroticism. Simple linear regression revealed RHD as a significant predictor of openness to experience (R2 = 31%), consciousness (R2 = 49%), and agreeableness (R2 = 18%), while LHD predicted neuroticism (R2 = 22%). Additionally, the 2D:4D ratio emerged as a predictor of openness to experience (R2 = 17%), neuroticism (R2 = 8%), consciousness (R2 = 13%), and agreeableness (R2 = 17%). These findings underscore the influence of both cultural and biological factors on individual personality differences, with implications for mental health interventions in diverse populations....
The talus is an important bone used in forensic and archaeological cases for the determination of the sex of human remains because it is a preservational favored bone of the body. The study is designed to take the measurements and dimensions of dry tali to determine the sex as well as the sides of the bones. A total of 82 cadaveric bones were used. In each of the bones, measurements like tali length, breadth, widths, height, head height, head-neck length, trochlear breadth and length, length and breadth of the medial-lateral articular facet, and length and breadth of the posterior calcaneal articular surface were taken. Eleven parameters were measured on 82 bones (49 males and 33 females) obtained from the Anatomy Museum of the Anatomy Department, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0 was used to analyze the discriminant function of all the measurements that were taken. The statistical analysis showed that all measured parameters were sexually dimorphic. Forty-four right tali 44 and thirty-eight left tali were found. The average accuracy for all the bones was 80.5% following the stepwise procedures from the discriminant function analysis. While the accuracy for correctly classifying the bones into males was 71% and females was 94%, the female tali bones were most often correctly classified. In conclusion, the talus bone was shown to be useful for the determination of sex....
Monodora myristica and Xylopia aethiopica have been commonly used as spices for decades, both in culinary and medicinal contexts. This study aimed to assess the effect of aqueous extract of Monodora myristica and Xylopia aethiopica on the histology of the pancreas of adult albino Wistar rats. Twenty (20) rats weighing 160- 180 g were divided into four groups of five rats each and labelled Group A, B, C, and D. Group A rats which served as control were solely provided with feed and water, while Group B received 500 mg/kg of the extract of Monodora myristica. Group C received 500 mg/kg of the extract of Xylopia aethiopica, and Group D received a combined extract of 500 mg/kg of Monodora myristica and 500 mg/kg of Xylopia aethiopica extracts. The rats received the extract for eight weeks daily and were sacrificed 24 hours after the last administration and routinely processed histologically. The histological assessment showed normal pancreatic features in group A. Group B showed congested blood vessels and hypertrophy of acinar cells. Group C exhibited alterations in the morphology of the islet cells and cytoplasm. Lastly, group D showed signs of periductal fibrosis in the interlobular duct with congested blood vessels. Therefore, the result suggests that Monodora myristica and Xylopia aethiopica may have an adverse effect on the pancreas cytoarchitecture, particularly the islet of Langerhans. ...
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is among the most common food additives in the developing world and is commonly used as a flavor enhancer. It contains glutamic acid, one of the naturally occurring amino acids that the body transforms into glutamate. Allium sativum (Garlic) has tremendous pharmacological effects due to its biologically active constituents, which are vital in nutraceutical applications. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of aqueous Allium sativum bulb extract on MSG-induced hepatotoxicity in Guinea pigs. Five groups (N = 5) were named and treated as follows; Group A (control) received normal saline. Group B received MSG (150 mg/kg body weight). Groups C, D, and E received 150 mg/kg of MSG with 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 1500 mg/kg of aqueous Allium sativum extract respectively. The administration lasted for 21 days. Animals were sacrificed humanely; tissue samples were collected, and fixed in 10% formal saline for histological studies. Histological findings revealed changes in form of dilatation of the central vein, which contained lysed RBC, edematous of liver parenchyma, and atrophic and degenerative changes on the hepatic tissues of Guinea pigs administered with MSG. However, co-administration with various doses of Allium sativum produced a positive effect on evading the harmful effects of MSG in hepatic tissue. In conclusion, this study showed that excessive MSG intake may have some harmful effects on the liver and by extension could affect its functions. Moreover, supplementations with Allium sativum reduced MSG toxicity and restore the pathological changes of the hepatic tissue. ...
Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) has been shown in previous studies to induce histopathological changes in the testes. An essential function of the c-kit signalling system is to control cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and death. Consequently, certain male infertility may be explained by deregulating the SCF/c-kit system by attenuating or overactivating its signaling strength. This study examined the effects of antiretroviral drugs and a bioactive flavonoid, Naringenin on testicular ultrastructure, function and the SCF/c-kit ligand system. Six groups of five Sprague Dawley rats were assigned into cART (H), distilled water (DW), naringenin 40 mg/kg (N40), naringenin 80 mg/kg (N80), cART+naringenin 40 mg/kg (HN40), and cART+naringenin 80 mg/kg (HN80). Electron microscopy was employed to study testicular ultrastructural changes. The expressions of intratesticular SCF and c-kit mRNA were evaluated using quantitative PCR. The apoptotic assay and levels of intratesticular antioxidant enzymes were studied using ELISA. Using cART resulted in nuclear membrane breakdown, anomalies in the ultrastructural appearance of the germinal epithelium, and distortion of the progressive cellular growth. These changes were reduced with the co-administration of Naringenin. Co-administration of Naringenin limited the identified dysfunction of Sertoli cells as a sign of testicular toxicity from cART and this study suggests that as an adjuvant therapy, naringenin might help prevent testicular toxicity associated with long-term use of cART....
Simple hepatic cysts are the most frequent forms of liver cysts, often filled with clear or yellow fluid. They are usually asymptomatic and are typically diagnosed in adulthood. Their prevalence however varies across populations. Ultrasound and serological tests are the primary diagnostic tools for distinguishing simple hepatic cysts from other liver cyst forms, such as cysticercosis. We present an exceptional case of a giant simple hepatic cyst discovered during routine cadaveric dissection in the anatomy laboratory. This ellipsoid cyst contained thick, yellow, mucus-like fluid and occupied the entire right lobe of the liver, extending partially into the left lobe. The cyst wall was thin- stimulating a simple hepatic cyst and was found in a 56-year-old male cadaver. The cyst compressed the adjacent structures and caused a significant atrophy of the right lobe of the liver. While simple hepatic cysts are usually diagnosed clinically using ultrasound and serology, their identification through cadaveric findings is rare. The unique features of this cyst include its large size, its significant impact on adjacent structures including atrophy of the right lobe of the liver, and the abnormally large stomach observed in this cadaver. This unusual case prompted our interest and led to this report. The report covers a relevant literature review on the major features of this case and no information concerning the cause of death was covered as it was a finding during dissection....
Population-specific facial anthropometry is essential for cultural esteem, preservation of ethnicity, and advances in reconstructive medicine. This study focuses on craniofacial indices in students of Yoruba lineage. Using a questionnaire, biodata were collected from 2109 participants, aged 18 to 29 years, who were of Yoruba lineage and were without facial abnormalities. Amkov 3.0 Super AMOLED 24 Mega Pixel Digital Camera facilitated photography, and Digitalize image analysis software streamlined measurement and index analyses. Generated Data, including facial index (FI), nasal index (NI), canthal index (CI), and ear index (EI), were statistically analyzed using SPSS software version 21.0. FI findings revealed a prevalence of hyperleptoproscopic faces among males (98.0%) and females (97.9%). Males showed a higher mean FI than females, indicating sexual dimorphism and the influence of gender on facial morphology. According to the NI data, males (50.5%) and females (52.2%) had hyperplatin as the most common nose type. In NI, there was an evident sexual dimorphism, with males displaying higher mean values than females. Close eyes were shown to be the dominant form for both genders based on the CI values, with higher mean values in men also indicating sexual dimorphism. The EI results showed large ears were the most common, with sexual and age-specificity in mean values. The data presented here sheds considerable light on the craniofacial features of the Yoruba people, demonstrating how age and gender significantly influence facial dimensions. This research finds relevance in reconstructive medicine, forensic anthropology, and ethnic diversity studies....
The accumulation of Aluminum in the brain is believed to be involved in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease. This study evaluated the neuroprotective activities of sulforaphane (SFN) on aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced hippocampal degeneration in Wistar rats. A total of 28 adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=7). Group A (control) received 200 mg/kg of normal saline solution ad libitum; Group B received 200 mg/kg body weight of AlCl3; Group C received 200 mg/kg of SFN and 200 mg/kg of AlCl3; Group D received 200 mg/kg of SFN alone. All administrations were done daily, through oral gavage for 45 days and the rats underwent behavioral tests such as Y-maze and Open field test. On day 46, blood samples were collected to obtain serum for analysis and the brains were harvested for assessment. The results showed significant memory decline, spatial memory impairment and learning deficit, decreased levels of oxidative markers with corresponding increase in stress markers among AlCl3 only group compared to control but was attenuated with SFN administration. There were also significant differences in the levels of neurotransmitters in SFN and AlCl3 before and after treatment with SFN. Histological examination revealed clear pathological alterations indicative of hippocampal degeneration, including distortion and pyknotic abnormalities in the pyramidal layer of the AlCl3-only group's hippocampal region, which were mitigated by SFN treatment. SFN improved learning and memory, antioxidant enzymes, neurotransmitters, and morphology of hippocampus thereby attenuating the neurotoxic effects of AlCl3....
One neuroanatomical measure found to allometrically scale the body is brain's size. Species with larger brains relative to body are better complex information processors. We compared absolute brain weight (ABW), generated regression formulae and determined intelligence level in each age group of African giant rat (AGR) using encephalization quotient (EQ). Twelve rats in each age group, neonates (1-70 g), juveniles (70-450 g) and adults (?700 g) were used. Positive linear relationships existed between live body weight (LBW) and ABW in neonates (r2 = 0.58; p...
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas are tumours originating from cutaneous keratinocytes and they are among the most commonly encountered skin cancers. This study analysed the various histologic variants of cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) diagnosed in the hospital. The study was a descriptive retrospective study that involved the evaluation of all the skin biopsies histologically diagnosed as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the tertiary health institution between 2012 and 2018. Archival formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) blocks were retrieved alongside relevant clinical data. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed on fresh 4µ sections of tumor specimens. The H&E stained slides were interpreted under a light microscope. A total of 55 cases of cutaneous SCC were histologically diagnosed accounting for 36.6% of skin tumours within the study period. Amongst the cSCC subtypes observed, squamous cell carcinoma NOS (not otherwise specified) recorded 29(53%), adenosquamous variant 9(16%), acantholytic SCC 6(11%), keratoacanthoma SCC 6 (11%) and verrucous squamous cell carcinoma 5(9%) cases. There was no significant relationship between cancer prevalence and anatomical sites of occurrence (p>0.05). The commonest variant of cSCC recorded in this study was SCC NOS which accounted for more than half of the total number of cSCC present. The 60-69 years age group was the age with the highest prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma (32.7 %). Knowledge of the prevailing subtypes of squamous cell carcinoma would guide interventions in the management of the disease....
Stomach ulcer is a disease that causes the erosion of the epithelial lining of the gastric mucosa. This study aims to determine the ameliorative effects of ß, ?- carotene- 3, 3’-diol following Indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats. Thirty adult male Wistar rats (7 weeks old, 160 – 165 g) were used for this study. The rats were randomized into six groups, A - F of five rats each. A –control, B – treated with 20 mg/kg body weight (bw) of indomethacin, C – treated with 20 mg/kg omeprazole, D – treated with 20 mg/kg ß, ?- Carotene- 3, E – treated with 40 mg/kg ß, ?- Carotene- 3, 3’-dioland F – treated with 80 mg/kg b.w of ß, ?- Carotene- 3, 3’-diol respectively, 12 hourly for 14 days following Indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers. The rats were fasted for 24 hours for gastric emptying after the last administration and later sacrificed using chloroform as anesthesia. The rat's stomachs were harvested for both histological and biochemical assays. The Indomethacin-only treated rats showed an eroded epithelial lining while the treated groups showed a regeneration of the mucosa layer. A significant increase in ulcerated area, ulcer index, and a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity with a significant increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentration compared to the control and treated groups at p < 0.05. ß, ?- Carotene- 3, 3’-diol, showed a better curative ratio and remediation at 80 mg/kg when compared with the omeprazole-treated group....
Mosquito coil smoke is widely used to repel mosquitoes and prevent malaria in many malaria-endemic regions. While there is considerable awareness of the toxicity of carbon monoxide (CO), exposure to CO from less obvious sources like MC smoke is often overlooked. This study investigates the neurotoxic effects of mosquito coil smoke in mice. In this study, sixteen adult male mice were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group, each comprising 8 mice. The experimental group was exposed to MC smoke (Wavetide, China) for 15 minutes daily over a period of 14 days, inside a gas chamber (length 75x breadth 50x height 50cm). A digital CO meter (PCMM05 Pyle) was employed to measure CO gas levels within the chamber. Our findings indicate that burning an MC for 15 minutes produces an average of 312 parts-per-million (ppm) of CO, significantly elevating blood carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels by 15.8%. These levels greatly exceed the World Health Organization's recommended limits of CO exposure (...
Intractable form of epilepsy is a major challenge worldwide, and despite an increasing number of medical therapies in the treatment of epilepsy, about one in three patients continues to experience seizures. This study evaluated the effects of cannabidiol on neuronal morphology and astrocytes in the hippocampus of epileptic rats. Adult Wistar rats (150-180 g) were grouped into acute, latent, and chronic phases of epilepsy. Each group was further subdivided into five subgroups A-E of eight rats each. Subgroups A, the control received corresponding vehicle volumes for the entire phases of epileptogenesis. Epilepsy was induced in subgroups B, C, D, and E by intraperitoneal administration of lithium chloride (127 mg/kg) 24 hours before pilocarpine (30 mg/kg). Seizures were allowed to last for 45 minutes and then terminated by diazepam (10 mg/kg). Subgroups C and D received 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg of cannabidiol respectively orally daily while subgroups E received 10mg/kg of sodium valproate. At the end of the three phases, the rats were sacrificed and their hippocampi were processed for histological and immunohistochemical assessment. Data were analysed using Analysis of Variance followed by the Newman-Keuls test for multiple comparisons. The Cornu Ammonis 1 and dentate gyrus across all phases of epilepsy showed loss of pyramidal neurons, dispersed granule cells, and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in subgroups B. The expression wasremediated by cannabidiol. The increase in degenerating neurons in Subgroup B was significantly reversed by cannabidiol across the three phases. The study concluded that cannabidiol ameliorated chemically induced epilepsy....
The double-spurred Francolin is a feral bird and remains undomesticated with very little known about its reproductive capability. This study aimed to know 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 testis 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 indicated that the mean histomorphometric values for testis and epididymis observed were highest in the early rainy season and late rainy season but lowest in the early dry season for all indexes except for the testicular capsule thickness which was lowest at the 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 during the late rainy season. The capsule was positive for collagen fibres mostly restricted to the tunica albuginea. The testicular capsule is rich in collagen and would be actively involved in keeping the testis from total collapse when it regresses in the late dry season....