Defatted Soy Flour Supplementation of Wheat Bread ameliorates Blood Chemistry and Oxidative Stress in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Bread is a convenience food made from wheat flour, which is derived from wheat and whose technology of which dates back to the ancient Egyptians. It is therefore of economic advantage if wheat importation to Nigeria can be reduced by substitution with other suitable materials. This led to the whole idea of composite flour, which is a mixture of wheat with other materials to form suitable flour for baking'purposes. OBJECTIVES: The study is to ascertain the effect of supplementation of bread with defatted soy flour on blood chemistry and oxidative stress in Wistar rats. METHODS: Wheat flour mixed with high quality defatted Soy flour at several ratios: 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40. The 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40 flour mixtures were used to prepare 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% Soya bread, respectively. The control bread (100%) was prepared with 100% wheat flour. Bread produced with these blends compared with regular 100% wheat bread and was tested for chemical and. organoleptic characteristics. Sixteen rats were randomly given codes and allocated to 2 different groups via tables with random numbers to feed on the 100% wheat blend and soy supplemented bread (90% wheat flour/10% soy flour) for 28 days. The weights and feedintake of the rats were computed on dailybasis. Blood was taken for biochemical assays and liver was used for antioxidant assay, that is activities of catalase, super oxider dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathine level. RESULTS: The activities of serum SOD and catalase were significantly increase (p<0.05) in rats fed the composite bread as compared to the control, (wheat bread) and a significant decrease (p<0.05) in lipid peroxidation marker (malondialdehyde level) relative to control group. The activities of the liver enzymes (alanine amino transferase, aspartase amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase) and markers (low density lipoprotein, cholesterol and triacyl glycerol levels) showed significant decrease (p<0.05) in rats fed supplemented soy flour bread as compared to the control. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the total bilirubin, creatinine and urea levels as Well as total protein and albumin levels of rats as compared to control. CONCLUSION: These findings establish the nutritional and health pronioting benefits of soy supplemented bread.

Calcium and Magnesium Metabolism in Pre-Eclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder associated with high maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. The cause of the disorder is largely unknown and its pathogenesis is complex and poorly understood. Calcium and magnesium are divalent ions which may have roles to play in the manifestations of the disease. An understanding of their metabolism in preeclampsia may aid our management of pregnant women who develop the disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine the plasma and urinary concentrations of calcium, magnesium and parathyroid hormone in women with mild, severe preeclampsia and in normal pregnancy. METHODS: This is was a case control study of fifty women with mild preeclampsia, fifty women with severe preeclampsia and fifty women with normal pregnancy as controls, drawn from The Antenatal Clinic at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. The women were consecutively recruited after signing an informed consent form. Ethical approval was obtained from the medical ethics committee of the hospital. RESULTS: The three groups of women were similar in their socio demographic characteristics. Plasma calcium was low in mild and severe preeclampsia compared to normal pregnancy controls (p=0.021). Urine calcium/creatinine ratio was lower in mild and severe preeclampsia compared to normal pregnancy controls (p= 0.030). Fractional excretion of calcium and levels of parathyroid hormone were similar across all three subgroups of women. Plasma magnesium was higher in mild and severe preeclampsia compared to normal pregnancy controls (p=0.011) and showed a positive correlation with plasma creatinine (r=0.48, p=0.045). Parathyroid hormone levels were similar across the study groups. CONCLUSION: Preeclampsia is associated with significant changes in calcium and magnesium metabolism. This study noted significant hypocalcaemia in mild and severe preeclampsia with significantly low urine calcium/creatinine levels. Calcium supplementation may have a place in patient's management. Hypermagnesemia was observed in mild and severe preeclampsia and appeared related to renal function.

Haematotoxic and reproductive toxicity of fixed dose combined anti-tuberculous agents: protective role of antioxidants in rats.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is the world's greatest infectious killer of women of reproductive age and the leading cause of death among people with HIV/AIDS. The major problem militating against the management of tuberculosis is the lack of compliance to medication by the infected patients as a result of multidrug needed to be taking daily leading to resistance. Occurrences of hepatic toxicity, teratogenicity, sperm quality damage, haematotoxicity and meningeal congestion of individual anti-tuberculous agents have been reported. OBJECTIVE: The study is aimed to determine the reproductive and haematological toxicity of combined antituberculous agents and the modulatory role of antioxidants using animal model. METHODS: Fifty rats (10 per group) were randomly allotted to five groups, consisting of the control, the fixed dose combined anti TB agents treated group, the fixed dose combined anti TB agents plus vitamin C treated group, the fixed dose combined anti TB agents plus vitamin E treated group and the fixed dose combined anti TB agents plus vitamin C plus vitamin E treated group. Therapeutic doses of the fixed dose combined anti TB agents (25 mg/kg/day), vitamin E (5 mg/kg) and vitamin C (8 mg/kg) were administered to the animals via oral gavage, daily over 28 days. After 28days, rats were sacrificed for internal macroscopic and histological examination of the organs, sperm analysis and haematological investigations were carried out. RESULTS: The results showed a significant increase (p < or = 0.05) in the levels of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cell (RBC) and haemoglobin (HB) of the combined anti-TB plus vitamins C or E treated groups compared with combined anti-TB treated group alone (56.34 +/- 0.11) that decreased the haematological parameters. A significant decrease (p < or = 0.05) in the sperm counts (22.26 +/- 0.02; 35.40 +/- 0.02) and motility (77.03 +/- 0.02; 94.50 +/- 0.01) of the combined anti-TB treated rats as compared with the control group were observed. The combined anti-TB plus vitamin C treated rats demonstrated a significant increase (p < or = 0.05) in the sperm motility (90.23 +/- 0.01) as compared with the control group. There was also a remarkable decrease in the abnormal morphology of the sperm in the combined anti-TB plus vitamins E and C treated rats (0.05 +/- 0.02) as compared with the combined anti-TB group alone (1.10 +/- 0.02). CONCLUSION: Vitamins C and E positively modulated the sperm quality and haematological damage produced by the Fixed Dose Combined Anti-Tuberculous agents.

Citalopram and fluoxetine affects blood chemistry, hematology and brain serotonin in rats.

BACKGROUND: Depression is caused as a result of combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors. Citalopram and fluoxetine are antidepressants which are considered the current standard for depression treatment. There are little or no reports as to whether these antidepressants affect blood chemistry and haematological parameters in humans. OBJECTIVE: The effects of citalopram and fluoxetine on blood chemistry, hematology and brain serotonin in rats were investigated. METHODS: Forty-five Sprague Dawley male albino rats (140.69 +/- 5.86g) were divided into 3 equal groups. The first group of rats were orally administered 2 ml of 0.25 mg/ml of citalopram, the second group was administered 2 ml of 0.25 mg/ml of fluoxetine and the third group was administered 2 ml of saline (0.89% NaCl) daily for 4 weeks. The body weights and feed intake of rats were recorded every other day throughout the duration of drug administration. Five rats from each group were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of drug administration. Blood was taken intravenously into lithium heparinized tubes and brain excised. Blood chemistry and hematology were determined by auto analyzer, while brain serotonin levels were determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Serum levels of creatinine, urea, albumin, protein, glucose and activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were determined in rats administered citalopram, fluoxetine and saline. The packed cell volume, white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets of rats administered the respective drugs were determined. RESULTS: There was no significant (P > 0.01) difference in the mean body weight of rats administered fluoxetine, citalopram or saline for 2 weeks. There were no significant differences in the hematological parameters of rats. The results of the study showed that citalopram increase the body weight of rats in the third and fourth week and was reduced in fluoxetine administered rats. The drugs also affected brain serotonin level, lipid profile of rats and increased levels of albumin, glucose and activities of liver enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. CONCLUSION: Data of the study indicate that oral administration of citalopram and fluoxetine in rats for 4 weeks daily affected blood chemistry and do not affect haematological parameters.

The relationship between microalbuminuria, cardiovascular risk factors and disease management in type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: In patients with type 2 diabetes, microalbuminuria is an early clinical sign suggestive of vascular damage to the glomerulus. Microalbuminuria has also been currently reported as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and becomes relevant in the management of type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVES: This study is to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria, identify the risk factors associated with microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes, and to asses the achievement of treatment goals for cardiovascular risk reduction in type 2 diabetics. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy- two subjects with microalbuminuria were recruited from three hundred consecutively screened type 2 diabetics attending the Diabetic Clinic at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Clinical data were obtained by interviewing the participants. Anthropometric measurements were made and blood specimens were collected for analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of microalbuminuria was twenty-four percent (24%) in type 2 diabetes. Multiple logistic regression identified duration of diabetes (odds ratio 1.3 (95% CI; 0.03-1.58), hypertension(odds ratio 5.2 (95% Cl; 1.24-18.62), Body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio 1.27 (95% CI; 1.0-1.6), waist/hip ratio (WHR) (odds ratio 1.9 (95% Cl; 1.3-3.5), andHbA,c (odds ratio 6.6 (95% Cl; 1.02-27) as independent risk factors associated with microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetics. Optimum blood pressure, glycemic and weight control were achieved in eighty five percent (85%), fifty eight percent (58%) and nineteen percent (19%) of the type 2 diabetes respectively. CONCLUSION: This study showed that microalbuminuria is common among patients with type 2 diabetes. It also showed improvement in glycemic control and modifiable cardiovascular risk factor control when compared with previous studies.

Oral administration of vitamin C and vitamin E ameliorates lead-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in the rat brain.

BACKGROUND: Lead toxicity is a public health concern. Lead is one of the dispensable and non-biodegradable heavy metals and is toxic even at low concentrations. OBJECTIVE: This study was to investigate the effect of oral administration of Vitamin C and Vitamin E on lead-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in the brain of rats. METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley albino male albino rats (115.58 +/- 4.96g) were divided equally into five groups. The rats were fed rat chow and water ad libitum. Group 1 rats served as control and were orally administered 2ml saline every day for 7 weeks. Group 2 rats received orally 2ml lead acetate solution (60mg/kg body weight) every day for 7 weeks. Group3 rats received orally 2ml lead acetate solution (60mg/kg body weight) and vitamin C (40mg/kg body weight) every other day for 7 weeks. Group 4 rats received orally 2ml lead acetate solution (60mg/kg body weight) and vitamin E (150mg/kg body weight)every day for 7weeks. Group 5 received orally lead acetate solution at 60mg/kg body weight and vitamin C (40mg/kg body weight)and vitamin E (150mg/kg body weight) every other day for 7weeks. Three rats from each group were sacrificed after the fourth week. The remaining rats were sacrificed after the seventh week. Changes in body weight, liver weight, brain weight, activities of liver function enzymes (aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) in the serum at week 4 and week 7 were assayed.The oxidative stress markers (reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide(NO), malondialdehyde(MDA), levels, catalase(CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities) were determined in the brain of rats. Serum lead level of rats was also determined. RESULTS: The lead Pb exposed rats caused a significant (p<0.01) increase in bioavailable lead in the blood (p<0.05) as compared to the control. AST, ALT and ALPactivities were significantly increased (p<0.05) in the serum of rats exposed to lead as compared to the control. NO and MDA levels were significantly increased (p<0.05) in the brain of rats exposed to lead, while GSH level, SOD and CAT activities were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the brain of rats exposed to lead when compared with the control. CONCLUSION: Data of the study indicate that oral administration of vitamin C and vitamin E significantly reduced the blood lead concentration, ameliorates the hepatic damage and significantly reduced the oxidative stress in the brain of rats.

Aluminium-induced liver and testicular damage: effects of Piliostigma thonningii methanolic leaf extract.

BACKGROUND: Aluminium is believed to be non toxic and easily eliminated from the body, a belief which encourages its use in daily life. However, several studies have reported its hepatotoxicity and testicular derangement in animals and humans. OBJECTIVE: The protective potential of Piliostigma thonningii (250 mg/kg of body weight) methanolic leaf extract on aluminium-induced hepatotoxic and testicular damage in Wister rats was studied. METHODS: Toxicity was induced in experimental animals via oral route using 0.5 mg of AlCl3 per kg of body weight (b.w). The toxicant and the plant extract were administered with the aid of gastric intubator for a period of 35 days at 24h interval. Thirty male Wistar rats (mean weight, 207 +/- 11.01g) were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group treated with 0:5 ml of olive oil (vehicle for the extract) and 1 ml of saline (vehicle for the toxicant), a second group treated with 0.5 mg of AlCl3 (toxicant) per kg bwt and a third group treated with 0.5 mg of AlCl3 and 250 mg of P. thonningii extract per kg b.w. The serum activities of liver enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) along with sperm function indices (sperm count, sperm motility, live/dead sperm ratio and total morphological abnormalities) were assessed in the animals. RESULTS: AlCl3 ingestion caused a decrease in mean gain in body weight, % sperm motility, sperm count and live/dead sperm ratio as well as significant (P < 0.05) increase in absolute weight of the liver, total sperm abnormalities, ALT, AST and ALP activities as compared to the control rats. The toxicant, however did not cause any significant (p < 0.05) change in absolute and relative weights of the testis and caudal epididymis of rats as compared to the control rats. Co-treatment of rats with P. thonningii leaf extract apparently subverted the induced-changes. Though, rats co-treated with the extract do not show visible signs of protection against AlCl3-induced sperm damage, serum activities of ALT, AST and ALP were significantly decreased following oral intake of the extract. CONCLUSION: Data of the study suggest that AlCl3 exposure particularly through oral route at a dose of (0.5 mg/kg b.w) is toxic and capable of inducing liver damage and testicular dysfunction in animals and possibly humans. Interestingly, Piliostigma thonningii extract (methanolic) at a dose of 250 mg/kg b.wt) was effective in protecting rats from liver damage induced by the toxicant.

Evaluation of Moxifloxacin-induced Biochemical Changes in Mice.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the toxicological effects of moxifloxacin in mice to determine the toxicological implications. Forty mice of both sexes were divided into four groups of 10 mice each, designated as A, B, C and D. Group A served as the control and received 2 ml of distilled water, while Groups B, C and D were orally administered 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight of moxifloxacin once daily for 7 days, respectively. The weights of the mice were recorded before and throughout the duration of drug administration. Blood samples were collected for serum analysis. Total blood protein, cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinine, activities of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase, levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol were assayed. There were significant (P≤0.05) differences in the concentrations of serum creatinine, urea, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase, levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, cholesterol and triglyceride of mice administered moxifloxacin. Serum level of total bilirubin in low dose treated animals was not significantly different from that of the control group animals, but there were significant dose dependent decrease in the animals treated with 25 mg/kg as well as 50 mg/kg. Data of the study indicate there was a dose dependent reduction in the protein metabolites, lipid profile and liver enzyme activities of mice administered moxifloxacin.

EPROM-based heartbeat monitor using optical biomedical engineering technique.

BACKGROUND: In Nigeria, manual methods of heartbeat monitoring are commonly used which are subject to a number of human errors and problems. OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the development of a noninvasive EPROM based heartbeat monitor using optical biomedical engineering technique to detect and count the user's heartbeat digitally as well as provide a visual indication of the result obtained. METHODS: This design and construction work employed the optical biomedical engineering technique in which tiny subcutaneous blood vessels in any patch of skin preferably the fingers furnished with a good supply of blood alternately expand and contract in time with the heartbeat. The optical sensors were planted in a peg which provides firm grip of the finger tip to sense these contraction and expansion processes. RESULTS: The results of the tests carried out on fingers of different individuals at rest showed that the thumb, middle finger and forefinger responded more accurately to the heartbeat measurements taken. The thickness of the individual's fingers contributed greatly to the accuracy of the measurement taken. CONCLUSION: The EPROM based heartbeat monitor is a very efficient tool for monitoring the heartbeat of patients. However, its efficiency is determined by the thickness of the individual's finger.

Effects of oral administration of energy drinks on blood chemistry, tissue histology and brain acetylcholine in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Energy drinks are canned or bottled carbonated beverages that contain large amounts of caffeine and sugar with additional ingredients, such as B-Vitamins, amino acids and herbal stimulants. Previous reports have shown that consumption of large amounts of these energy drinks may result in adverse health consequences. OBJECTIVE: The present study is to ascertain if oral administration of energy drinks, such as "power horse" and "red bull", may affect blood chemistry, tissue histology and acetyl choline levels in rabbits. METHODS: Five ml of power horse and red bull energy drinks, caffeine and saline (control) were orally administered daily for 36 days to rabbits. Body weight, feed and water intake were measured every other day. The blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture for blood chemistry measurement and their liver, heart and brain tissues were used for histological assay. The plasma, liver, brain and heart acetylcholine levels were also determined. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the body weight, feed intake and organ weights of rabbits administered energy drinks or caffeine as compared to the control. The blood chemistry results showed that the activities of the aspartate and alanine amino transferase, concentrations of plasma creatinine, uric acid and albumin were increased in the control as compared to the red bull and caffeine administered rabbits. The concentrations of total protein, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) and glucose concentrations were increased in power horse and red bull administered rabbits as compared to caffeine administered rabbits and control rabbits. The concentrations of plasma and brain acetylcholine of rabbits administered power horse and red bull were significantly higher than in the control, while it was lower in liver and heart acetyl choline levels. The histopathological findings of the brain and liver show that there were no obvious histopathological abnormalities in the brain, liver and heart of rabbits administered power horse or red bull and caffeine as compared to the control rabbits. CONCLUSION: Data of the present study indicate that oral administration of the energy drinks, specifically power horse and red bull, affected blood chemistry, liver enzymes activities, but do not significantly affect the histopathology of the brain, heart and liver of the rabbits. This findings suggest that energy drinks may alter cholinergic neurotransmission and neural functions mediated by acetylcholine.

Protective role of the methanolic extract of Icacina trichantha on sodium arsenite induced genotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: Arsenic is a toxic metalloid, whose toxicity has raised a lot of concern. Humans are exposed to this metalloid through contaminated water, air and even foods. As a sulfhydryl reactive metal, arsenic has been found to cause extensive damage to organs such as the liver. It has also been found to be a potent clastogen, causing DNA damage leading to both benign and malignant tumors. OBJECTIVES: The anti-hepatotoxic and anti-genotoxic effects of methanolic leaf extract of Icacina trichantha on sodium arsenite induced toxicity in rats were determined. METHODS: Oral gavage of sodium arsenite was used to induced genotoxicity in rats and micronucleus assay was used to measure the number of micronucleated polychromatophilic erythrocytes. The determination of activities of serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities were used for the hepatotoxicity assay.. RESULTS: The mean number of micronucleated polychromatophilic erythrocytes (MPCE) per 1000 cells +/- SEM from the bone marrow smear was 57.50 +/- 9.71 in rats treated with both arsenite and extract compared to 129.00 +/- 16.34 in rats treated with arsenite alone. The serum ALT, AST and GGT activities +/- SEM were 67.04 + 3.71, 39.12 +/- 3.45 and 11.54 +/- 0.42 lu respectively for the rats treated with arsenite alone. Combined treatment of arsenite and the extract significantly decrease (p<0.05) in the activity of the enzymes, 29.75 +/- 3.43, 15.8 +/- 4.42, 6.87 +/- 0.433 lu for serum ALT, AST and GGT respectively. CONCLUSION: The methanolic leaf extract of I. trichantha modulated both the hepatotoxic and genotoxic effect induced by sodium arsenite in rats, which suggest that Icacina trichantha may serve as a hepatoprotective and anti-tumor agent.

Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Momordica charantia on intestinal enzyme activities in diarrhoeagenic mice.

BACKGROUND: Momordica charantia (MC), an annual tropical plant has been reported to possess numerous medicinal properties. The aqueous extract of the plant had been earlier evaluated for its anti-diarrhoeal potential in castor oil-induced diarrhoea model. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf extract of M. charantia on the activities of the intestinal enzymes in castor oil-induced diarrhoeagenic mice for 48 h-duration. METHODS: Diarrhoea was induced by oral administration of castor oil in mice. Mice in Group 1 were given distilled water; Group 2 received 0.2 ml of castor oil. Groups 3-4 received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous leaf extract respectively. The animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation at 0, 2, 5, 7, 24, and 48 hours. Enzymatic activities and protein concentration in the intestinal mucosa homogenate were then analyzed at 0, 2, 5, 7, 24, and 48 hours. RESULTS: Effect of graded doses (100-400 mg/kg) of M. charantia on intestinal alkaline phosphatase showed decrease in activity at 48 hours, while the reductive effect was significantly expressed in the castor oil than in the control and extract treated groups. Disaccharidases (lactase, maltase and sucrase) activities were significantly reduced in the castor oil group when compared with the extract treated groups and the control. The reduction in protein concentration was also observed in the castor oil group compared to the control and extract treated groups. CONCLUSION: The aqueous leaf extract of MC increased enzymes activities (maltase, sucrase and lactase) in the extract treated diarrhoeagenic mice enhancing the absorptive role of these enzymes in the small intestine. This could prevent malnutrition and loss of these enzymes in diarrhoeal conditions.

Effects of herbal remedies (Agyanom mixture, Bolex bitters and Remedia mixture) on hepatic and renal functions in male rats.

BACKGROUND: Many people use herbal remedies for the treatment of a wide range of diseases due to the claims of their efficacies by the manufacturers. However, there is little insight as to the mode of action and possible toxic effects of these popular herbal formulations on organs such as, liver and kidney. OBJECTIVE: Hepatological, histological and renal function tests of Sprague-Dawley albino rats were investigated in order to determine the possible effects on rat kidney and liver following exposure of the physiological system to the processed herbal remedies through oral administration. METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats (120-170g) and divided into 7 groups were employed for this study. Six groups of 4 rats each were orally administered high dose (1.0 ml) and low dose (0.5 ml) of 'Agyanom mixture', 'Bolex bitters' and 'Remedia mixture' respectively for 15 days. The control group consisted of 6 rats given water only after acclimatization for 28 days, with food and water freely available to both groups. The rats were sacrificed, the blood samples were collected through the orbital sinus and cardiac puncture. The liver and kidney tissues for each group were also harvested. Liver and renal function test parameters were analysed. The liver and kidney from the rats were fixed in 10% formol saline and after 72 hours, dehydrated in graded alcohol, cleaned in xylene, and embedded in paraffin. The resulting blocks were sectioned. The sections were randomized and selected sections were stained in haemotoxylin and eosin. The slides were then examined at magnification of x400. RESULTS: There were significant (p < 0.05) differences in the concentrations of serum electrolytes in all the experimental groups compared with control. Na+, K+, HCO3(2-) urea and creatinin levels increased significantly in the experimental groups. Serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase activities and bilirubin level were not significantly different (p > or = 0.05) in all the experimental groups compared with control. Histological features of mild to severe tubular necrosis were evident in the kidney tissues of all the experimental groups compared to the control, unlike in the liver tissues. CONCLUSION: Data of the present study indicate that herbal remedies such as 'agyanom mixture', 'bolex bitters' and 'remedia mixture' have adverse effects on the kidney and they might not be safe for human consumption.

Catalase activity, lipid peroxidation, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in alloxan--induced diabetes mellitus in female and male rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism and is associated with oxidative reactions. OBJECTIVE: The present study is to determine the activities of catalase, lipid peroxidation, glucose, protein, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the liver and kidney in alloxan-induced diabetes in female and male rats. In addition, the study is to ascertain if gender differences affect oxidative stress in diabetes. METHODS: Forty male (165 +/- 8.46 g) and female (162.7 +/- 7.94 g) albino Sprague Dawley rats were used for the study. The rats were injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of 150 mg/body weight of alloxan monohydrate, to induce diabetes-for 14 days. The rats were divided into four groups, consisting of 10 diabetic male, 10 non-diabetic male, 10 diabetic female and 10 non-diabetic female. The rats were fed rat chow and water ad libitum for 14 days and then sacrificed by decapitation. Blood was taken by cardiac puncture, while liver and kidney were quickly excised. The catalase activity, lipid peroxidation, glucose, protein, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the liver and kidney of rats were determined. RESULTS: Bats administered alloxan monohydrate had elevated plasma glucose levels. The body weights of diabetic female and male rats were significantly reduced compared to the non-diabetic rats. The catalase activities in liver and kidney of diabetic male or female rats were significantly lower than in non-diabetic rats but the reduction was more pronounced in diabetic female rats. The liver lipid peroxidation, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in the diabetic male or female than in the non-diabetic rats, but with no significant differences in the diabetic female or male rats. CONCLUSION: Data of the study indicate that sex differences do not significantly affect oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus.

Aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum potentiates activities of plasma and hepatic antioxidant enzymes in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ocimum gratissimum is a vegetable plant of wide nutritional and medicinal arpplications in Nigeria and in some other parts of the world. OBJECTIVE: The effect of oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of O. gratissimum on the activities of plasma and hepatic anti-oxidant enzymes in rats was investigated. METHODS: Two different doses of aqueous leaf extract of O. gratissimum (0.2 mg/g and 0.4 mg/kg body weight) were separately administered orally daily into rats for 4 weeks. The rats were sacrificed after 30 days of administration, blood was collected and the liver excised. The liver was homogenized, while plasma and hepatic anti-oxidant enzymes, namely catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione -S- transferase (GST) specific activities were assayed. RESULTS: Results of the study showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the specific activity of both plasma and hepatic CAT and SOD in a dose dependent pattern. However, the effect of the leaf extract on GST specific activity was not significant (p > 0.05) as compared to the control. There were no significant changes in the plasma and liver protein concentrations in rats administered the extracts as compared to the control. CONCLUSION: Data of the study suggest that the oral administration of the aqueous extract of O. gratissimum may impair naturally generated oxidant/toxicant activity and thereby enhance specific activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes in rats.

Blood chemistry, hematology and tryptophan level in cerebral malaria children.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral malaria is a deadly complication of P. falciparum infection, yet its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. OBJECTIVE: The blood chemistry, hematology, protein and tryptophan levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of cerebral malaria children were investigated. METHODS: Fifteen children (2.44 +/- 0.25 yr) diagnosed with cerebral malaria were used for this study. The control subjects consist of healthy and malaria-free children (2.50 +/- 0.16 yr). Two ml of blood were collected from each child between 0830 h and 0930 h. Blood chemistry and hematological parameters were analyzed using 2 ml each of Synchron CX5 auto-analyzer. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected from the children using the lumbar puncture method, by inserting a sterile needle between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae collected into sterile tubes. The CSF tryptophan, plasma and CSF protein concentrations and CSF protein concentration were determined. RESULTS: There were no significant (p > 0.01) differences in the plasma protein, glucose and CSF glucose levels of the cerebral malaria children as compared with the control. The packed cell volume (PCV) of the cerebral malaria children hemoglobin (Hb) levels were significantly (p < 0.01) lower as compared to control, but were significantly higher in CSF tryptophan and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of cerebral malaria children were observed. Results of the study showed that cerebral malaria affected the CSF protein level, ESR, Hb and PCV, but do not affect plasma protein, glucose and CSF glucose concentrations. CONCLUSION: Data of the present study indicate that CSF protein, tryptophan, ESR, Hb and PCV could be used as possible markers in the diagnosis of cerebral malaria.

Phytochemical screening and quantification of flavonoids from leaf extract of Jatropha curcas Linn.

BACKGROUND: The Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) herb is found in SouthWest, Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, and is claimed to possess anti-hypertensive property. OBJECTIVE: The phytochemical screening and flavonoid quantification of the leaf extract of Jatropha curcas Linn were studied. METHODS: The phytochemical screening of the methanolic leaf extract of J. curcas L. was carried using acceptable and standard methods. The flavonoid contents of the leaf extract of Jatropha curcas L. were determined using thin layer chromatography (TLC), infrared spectroscopy (IRS) and a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: The phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract of the leaves of the plant shows the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, cyanogenic glycosides, phlobatannins, tannins, flavonoids and saponins. To quantify the flavonoid contents of leaf extract of Jatropha curcas L, extracts from the plant samples where examined in a C-18 column with UV detection and isocratic elution with acetonitrile; water (45:55). Levels of flavonoids (flavones) in leaves ranged from 6:90 to 8:85 mg/g dry weight. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that the methanolic extract of the leaves of Jatropha curcas L. contains useful active ingredients which may serve as potential drug for the treatment of diseases. In addition, a combination of TLC, IRS and HPLC can be used to analyse and quantify the flavonoids present in the leaves of Jatropha curcas L.

Phytochemical Screening and Quantification of Flavonoids from Leaf Extract of Jatropha Curcas Linn

Background: The Jatropha curcas L.(Euphorbiaceae) herb is found in SouthWest; Nigeria and other parts of West Africa; and is claimed to possess anti-hypertensive property. Objective: The phytochemical screening and flavonoid quantification of the leaf extract of Jatropha curcas Linn were studied. Methods: The phytochemical screening of the methanolic leaf extract of J. curcas L. was carried using acceptable and standard methods. The flavonoid contents of the leaf extract of Jatropha curcas L. were determined using thin layer chromatography (TLC); infrared spectroscopy (IRS) and a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract of the leaves of the plant shows the presence of alkaloids; cardiac glycosides; cyanogenic glycosides; phlobatannins; tannins; flavonoids and saponins. To quantify the flavonoid contents of leaf extract of Jatropha curcas L ; extracts from the plant samples where examined in a C-18 column with UV detection and isocratic elution with acetonitrile; water (45:55). Levels of flavonoids (flavones) in leaves ranged from 6:90 to 8:85 mg / g dry weight. Conclusion : Results indicate that the methanolic extract of the leaves of Jatropha curcas L. contains useful active ingredients which may serve as potential drug for the treatment of diseases. In addition; a combination of TLC; IRS and HPLC can be used to analyse and quantify the flavonoids present in the leaves of Jatropha curcas L

Knowledge and practice of emergency contraception among female undergraduates in the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of knowledge and practice of emergency contraception among female undergraduates in University of Lagos and to determine the factors that influence knowledge and practice of emergency contraception among female undergraduates. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. SETTING: The University of Lagos, Lagos, South-West, Nigeria between August 2003 and March 2004. SUBJECTS: Four hundred and eighty randomly selected female undergraduate students. RESULTS: The findings revealed that 67.8% of the respondents reported knowing about emergency contraception. More than half (56.1%) were sexually active and of this group, 96.8% had ever practiced contraception with only 33.9% having ever practiced emergency contraception. However, only 37.8% and 36.3% of respondents who had reported knowing about emergency contraception knew the correct time frame for effective use, and correctly identified emergency contraceptives respectively. Among those who were aware of, and had used emergency contraception, 34.1% obtained their information from health care providers, while the larger majority obtained from friends. Knowledge and practice of emergency contraception was found to be directly related to age, level of study, medical education, marital status, sexual activity, previous history of use of contraceptives and previous history of induced abortion. CONCLUSION: Education efforts that focus on the training of health care providers and young adults on emergency contraception with regards to available methods and correct timing of use would greatly improve women's access to and effective use of this method in Nigeria.