Comparative performance evaluation of blood film microscopy for the diagnosis of bovine trypanosomosis by some laboratories in North-central Nigeria.

Background: Due to its affordability in disease-affected communities and suitability for field application, microscopy has historically been considered the gold standard for field diagnosis of trypanosomosis in rural settings. Aim: This works aims to compare the performance of microscopists on bovine trypanosome microscopy by organizing the first comparative assessment on a correct reading of slides by laboratory professionals using the read slide results and a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire in North-central Nigeria. Methods: Ten participants were addressed, as they were sent a panel of two slides (Slide 1: No Trypanosome present; Slide 2: Trypanosome present) and a questionnaire. Results: All participants greater than 41 years old reported correctly the presence and absence of parasites on slides. Only 3/8 of microscopists from routine diagnostic laboratories reported correctly the presence of the parasite. Conclusion: Our study confirmed errors in reading slides. Therefore, training of microscopists besides a nationwide quality assessment is recommended.

Dyslipdemia induced by chronic low dose co-exposure to lead, cadmium and manganese in rats: the role of oxidative stress.

Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and manganese (Mn) have many potential adverse health effects in vitro and in animal models of clinical toxicity. The current study investigated the dyslipidaemic and oxidative stress effects of chronic low-dose oral exposure to Pb, Cd and Mn and the combination (Pb+Cd+Mn) in rats for 15 weeks. Chronic exposure to the metals did not significantly (P>0.05) alter serum lipid profiles. However, the atherogenic index decreased by 32.2% in the Pb+Cd+Mn group, relative to the control. The triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio decreased by 39.4% in the Pb+Cd+Mn group, relative to the control, and elevated by 81.8, 94.8 and 20.8%, relative to the Pb, Cd and Mn groups, respectively. While the serum concentrations of malondialdehyde significantly increased in the Mn and Pb+Cd+Mn groups, that of glutathione peroxidase-1 decreased in the Pb+Cd+Mn group, and metallothionein-1 and zinc concentrations markedly decreased in all the metal treatment groups. The results suggest that long-term exposure of rats to Pb+Cd+Mn may result in hypolipidaemia, mediated via oxidative stress and metal interactions. Individuals who are constantly exposed to environmentally relevant levels of the metals may be at risk of hypolipidaemia.

Sitagliptin-Moringa oleifera coadministration did not delay the progression nor ameliorated functional and morphological anomalies in alloxan-induced diabetic nephropathy.

OBJECTIVE: Sitagliptin (ST) and Moringa oleifera (MO) Lam (Moringaceae) are used concomitantly by diabetic patients, with no study ascertaining for potential favorable or otherwise renal implications. We investigated the effect of coadministration of ST and MO leaf extract on functional and morphological biomarkers of alloxan-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes was induced with a single dose of 150 mg/kg of alloxan intraperitoneally. Seven groups of eight rats per group were used, with Groups I, II, and VII as normal (NS), diabetic control (DC), and postprandial controls. Groups III, IV, V, and VI were diabetic rats on ST, MO, ST and MO (SM), for 42 days with 2 weeks delayed treatment in a postprandial hyperglycemic group (PPSM), respectively. Serum urea, albumin, electrolyte levels, lipid profile, and kidney tropism were determined in addition to histological examinations. RESULTS: There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in kidney tropism comparing all drug-treated groups and DC to normal rats. Significant increases in serum urea were observed (P = 0.02) in DC, MO-treated, and SM-treated rats compared to normal rats and also in serum triglyceride (P < 0.05) in MO-treated and SM-treated rats compared to controls and other drug-treated groups. A mild reduction in severity of pathologic lesions was observed (glomerulosclerosis Grade 1) in SM-treated rats compared to a marked necrosis in DC (Grade 3). CONCLUSION: The coadministration of ST-MO did not delay the progression of functional anomalies and renal injury nor ameliorated the lesions associated with chronic DN in Wistar rats.

Chronic administration of ethanol leaf extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) may compromise glycaemic efficacy of Sitagliptin with no significant effect in retinopathy in a diabetic rat model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) has gained awareness for its antidiabetic effect, and is used as alternative therapy or concurrently with orthodox medicines such as sitagliptin in diabetes mellitus. This is without ascertaining the possibility of drug-herb interactions, which could either lead to enhanced antidiabetic efficacy, increased toxicity, or compromised glycaemic control with negative consequence in diabetic retinopathy. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effect, of sitagliptin (50mg/kg), Moringa oleifera (300mg/kg) leaf extract, and a combination of both on glycaemic control parameters, lenticular opacity and changes in retinal microvasculature in alloxan (150mg/kg i.p) induced diabetic rat model. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Seven groups of eight rats per group were used, with groups I, II and VII as normal (NC), diabetic (DC) and post-prandial controls (PPC). Groups III to VI were diabetic rats on sitagliptin (III), M. oleifera (IV), sitagliptin and M. oleifera (SM) (V), for 42 days with 2 weeks delayed treatment in a post-prandial hyperglycaemic group (PPSM) (VI). Glycaemic control parameters, insulin levels, body weights, and effects of retinal microvasculature on lenticular opacity/morphology were investigated. RESULTS: A significant decrease in fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels was displayed in SM group from day 14(60%) (p<0.01) to day 28 (38%) (p<0.01) of treatment, compared to day 1. Thereafter, a steady increase of up to 57% on day 42 compared to day 28 was observed. A significant decrease in random blood glucose (RBG) levels, were demonstrated on day 42 (24%) (p<0.001), compared to day 1. No significant difference was seen in mean serum levels of insulin across groups. No significant changes in body weights. Evidence of mild lenticular opacity was observed, with no significant effect in pathologic lesions in the retina. CONCLUSION: The chronic co-administration of sitagliptin and M. oleifera showed a progressive decrease in anti-hyperglycaemic effect of sitagliptin, and although it delayed the onset of lenticular opacity (i.e. cataract-like changes) it did not prevent the progression nor ameliorated pathologic lesions in the retina.

Evaluation of hepatorenal impairments in Wistar rats coexposed to low-dose lead, cadmium and manganese: insights into oxidative stress mechanism.

The study aims to evaluate effects of chronic low-dose coexposure to lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and manganese (Mn) on hepatorenal toxicity and oxidative stress. Young male Wistar rats were treated with Pb acetate (1.4 mg/kg BW), Cd chloride (0.01 mg/kg BW), Mn chloride (0.14 mg/kg BW) and their combination (Pb + Cd + Mn) by oral gavage, for 15 weeks. Liver enzymes, albumin (Alb), globulin (Glb), total protein, creatinine, urea and electrolyte concentrations were measured in the serum. Hepatic and renal malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx1) and metallothionein-1 (MT1) concentrations were measured by enzyme immunoassay technique. Chronic exposure to the metals significantly (p < .05) increased serum Glb concentration and decreased Alb/Glb ratio, compared to the controls. Serum creatinine concentration significantly (p < .05) decreased in the Pb, Cd and Pb + Cd + Mn groups, but elevated in the Mn group. Hepatic MDAs rose significantly (p < .05) in the Pb group, while hepatic GPx1 activities increased significantly (p < .05) in the Cd, Mn and Pb + Cd + Mn groups. Hepatic and renal MT1 concentration decreased (p < .05) in the Mn group only. Biochemical alterations were confirmed by light microscopy of the liver and kidneys, which showed degenerative changes. It is concluded that prolonged coexposure to environmentally relevant levels of Pb, Cd and Mn impairs liver and kidney functions via the induction of oxidative stress, and it underlines the importance of studying toxicants in combination.

Effects of melatonin on changes in cognitive performances and brain malondialdehyde concentration induced by sub-chronic co-administration of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin in male Wister rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ameliorative effect of melatonin on sub-chronic chlorpyrifos (CPF) and cypermethrin (CYP)-evoked cognitive changes in male Wistar rats. METHODS: Fifty adult male Wistar rats, divided into five groups of ten rats each, were used for the study. Groups 1 and II were given distilled water and soya oil (2 mL/kg) respectively. Group III was administered with melatonin at 0.5 mg/kg only. Group IV was administered with CPF [7.96 mg/kg (1/10th LD50)] and CYP [29.6 mg/kg (1/10th LD50)], and Group V was administered with CPF [7.96 mg/kg (1/10th LD50)] and CYP [29.6 mg/kg (1/10th LD50)] 30 min after melatonin (0.5 mg/kg). The regimens were administered by gavage once daily for 12 weeks. Thereafter, cognitive performances were determined and the brain was evaluated for malonaldehyde concentration. RESULTS: CPF and CYP induced cognitive deficits and increased brain malonaldehyde concentration, which were all ameliorated by melatonin. CONCLUSION: Cognitive deficits elicited by CPF and CYP was mitigated by melatonin due to its antioxidant property.

Effects of melatonin on changes in cognitive performances and brain malondialdehyde concentration induced by sub-chronic co-administration of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin in male Wister rats

Objective: To evaluate the ameliorative effect of melatonin on sub-chronic chlorpyrifos (CPF) and cypermethrin (CYP)-evoked cognitive changes in male Wistar rats. Methods:Fifty adult male Wistar rats, divided into five groups of ten rats each, were used for the study. Groups 1 and II were given distilled water and soya oil (2 mL/kg) respectively. Group III was administered with melatonin at 0.5 mg/kg only. Group IV was administered with CPF [7.96 mg/kg (1/10th LD50)] and CYP [29.6 mg/kg (1/10th LD50)] , and Group V was administered with CPF [7.96 mg/kg (1/10th LD50)] and CYP [29.6 mg/kg (1/10th LD50)] 30 min after melatonin (0.5 mg/kg). The regimens were administered by gavage once daily for 12 weeks. Thereafter, cognitive performances were determined and the brain was evaluated for malonaldehyde concentration. Results: CPF and CYP induced cognitive deficits and increased brain malonaldehyde concentration, which were all ameliorated by melatonin.Conclusion: Cognitive deficits elicited by CPF and CYP was mitigated by melatonin due to its antioxidant property.