L-Arginine supplementation enhanced expression of glucose transporter (GLUT 1) in sickle cell anaemia subjects in the steady state.

L-Arginine may have therapeutic value in the management of sickle cell disease and diabetes mellitus. There is very little information on the interaction of GLUT 1 and L-Arginine in sickle cell disease subjects. This study compared the blood levels of Glut 1, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin (FIns) in non-sickle cell anaemia (HbAA) and sickle cell anaemia (HbSS) subjects in the steady state before and following L-Arginine supplementation (1 g/day for 6 weeks). Nitric oxide metabolites, (NOX), catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were also measured in each group of subjects. Correlation coefficients between change (Δ) in Glut 1 and change (Δ) in FBG, Fins, NOX and antioxidant enzymes respectively were calculated. Before supplementation, Glut 1, NOX, GPX and CAT were significantly higher in HbAA subjects while FIns, FBG and MDA were higher in HbSS subjects. In both groups, supplementation significantly increased NOX, Glut 1 and antioxidant enzymes but decreased MDA. Supplementation increased FIns in HbAA but decreased FBG and FIns in HbSS subjects. In both groups of subjects, ΔGLUT 1 correlated positively with ΔNOX, antioxidant enzymes and Δ[R] but negatively with ΔMDA. ΔGLUT 1 correlated negatively with ΔFBG and ΔFins in HbSS but positively in HbAA. Study thus showed that in the steady state HbSS subjects had lower GLUT 1 but elevated FBG and Fins levels than HbAA subjects. Additionally, L-Arginine increased GLUT I and antioxidant enzymes but decreased Fins, FBG and MDA in HbSS subjects.

Contraceptive potential of Andrographis paniculata is via androgen suppression and not induction of oxidative stress in male Wistar rats.

Andrographis paniculata has been shown to be associated with male reproductive dysfunction, although the available data are scarce and inconsistent, and the associated mechanisms are elusive. Hormonal mechanism via hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, and non-hormonal mechanism primarily through oxidative stress, are involved in the modulation of male reproductive function. We therefore, hypothesized that suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and/or oxidative stress is involved in Andrographis paniculata-induced reproductive dysfunction. Male Wistar rats received either vehicle or Andrographis paniculata in varying doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight daily for 8 weeks. Treatment with Andrographis paniculata led to reduced sperm count, motility, and viability. Andrographis paniculata treatment also resulted in distorted spermatogenesis and reduced serum testosterone. On the other hand, Andrographis paniculata led to reduction in the testicular content of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-6, and testicular activities of xanthine oxidase and myeloperoxidase, but raised testicular levels of reduced glutathione content and enhanced activity of super oxide dismutase. However, body weight gain, and absolute and relative reproductive organ weights were similar across all the groups. These findings demonstrate that Andrographis paniculata induces reproductive toxicity via suppression of testosterone and not induction of oxidative stress. Therefore, Andrographis paniculata could be a potential and safe male contraceptive.

Suppression of uric acid generation and blockade of glutathione dysregulation by L-arginine ameliorates dichlorvos-induced oxidative hepatorenal damage in rats.

Dichlorvos is a known risk factor for organ toxicity. The liver and kidney are essential metabolic tissues but it is unclear whether or not there is associated redox dyshomeostasis in both organs in physiological and pathological states. Uric acid accumulation and glutathione dysregulation have been implicated in the aetiopathogenesis of organ damage. The antioxidant potentials of L-arginine have been shown in various conditions. The present study was thus designed to investigate the synchrony in hepatic and renal uric acid and glutathione status in dichlorvos-induced hepatorenal damage and to probe the possible therapeutic role of L-arginine. Twenty-one male Wistar rats were treated with standard rat diet and water, dichlorvos, or dichlorvos and L-arginine. Our findings revealed that dichlorvos significantly impaired hepatic and renal functions, increased hepatic and renal malondialdehyde, but reduced glutathione and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. These events were accompanied by increased accumulation of plasma, hepatic, and renal uric acid as well as reduced body weight gain, and hepatic and renal weights. Histopathological examinations revealed hepatic and renal architectural derangement and cellular necrosis and degeneration in dichlorvos-exposed rats. Interestingly, L-arginine reversed dichlorvos-induced systemic, hepatic and renal synchronous redox dyshomeostasis. L-arginine administration also improved hepatic and renal cytoarchitecture. It is thus concluded that dichlorvos triggered synchronous uric acid generation and glutathione alterations in the liver and kidney. L-arginine confers protection against dichlorvos-induced hepatorenal damage via suppression of uric acid generation and blockade of glutathione dysregulation.

Anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant potentials of aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

In Africa traditional medicine, certain plant leaves are employed in the treatment of metabolic disorders such as dyslipidaemia. Telfairia occidentalis is named among Nigerian plants that are under investigation for anti-hyperlipidemic activity. The antihperlipidemic and antioxidant potentials of Telfairia Occidentalis (TO) aqueous leaf extract were studied in male Sprague- Dawley rats. Twenty-four healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were grouped into four of six rats thus: Group A (control) received normal saline (10mg/Kg); treated groups B, C and D, received, 50mg/kg; 100mg/kg; and 150mg/kg of Telfairia occidentalis aqueous leaf extract for 14 days respectively. At the end of the experiment serum cholesterol (CHOL), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were determined. Liver enzymes' aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were also assessed. Serum level creatinine was determined and antioxidant enzymes' reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were investigated. Lipid peroxidation's malonaldehyde (MDA) level was also assessed. Results from the current study showed a significant decrease in CHOL and LDL levels at all the doses tested (p<0.05) compared with control. Telfairia occidentalis produced a significant increase (p<0.05) in HDL level in all the tested doses compared with control However, TG was significantly decreased at 100mg and 150mg/kg compared with control (p<0.05). TO aqueous leaf extract produced a significant decrease (p<0.05) in AST level in all the tested doses compared with control. ALT level was significantly decreased (p<0.05) at 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg doses compared with control while ALP level significantly elevated (p<0.05) in all the doses tested compared with control. Creatinine level was significantly reduced at 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg doses when compared with control (p<0.05). The results from the antioxidant analysis revealed a significant increase in SOD, GSH and CAT with concomitant reduction in MDA's lipid peroxidation when compared with control (p<0.05). The current findings revealed that Telfairia occidentalis aqueous leaf extract is anti-hyperlipidemic, possesses hepato-reno effect and antioxidant potentials. However, care has to be taken during its use as it has ability to elevate LDL and the activities of liver enzymes at higher doses which may be deleterious to the body system.

Hematoxicity of amodiaquine in sprague-dawley rats.

OBJECTIVE: The use of amodiaquine (AQ) and its associated toxic effect has been a major public health concern since cases of life-threatening agranulocytosis and hepatic toxicity were reported during its prophylactic use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological safety profile of AQ therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into four groups (n=5). Group 1 was the control, while groups 2, 3, and 4 received AQ treatment for 14 days at varying doses of 5 mg/kgBW, 10 mg/kgBW, and 15 mg/kgBW daily, respectively. RESULTS: Following treatment, hematological variables were comparable in all groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence to support the use of AQ in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. However, to prevent emergence of local drug resistance, it should be used as part of a combination therapy. Monitoring for adverse effects is suggested.

Variability in cardiovascular functions and baroflex sensitivity following inhalation of petroleum hydrocarbons.

OBJECTIVE: Although petroleum products are useful chemical compounds which form an integral part of our modern technology, they have been reported to cause deleterious effect on health following their inhalation. Petroleum hydrocarbons-dependent health hazards and their mechanisms have been associated with the routes of administration. This study, therefore, aimed at the isolation and chemical characterization of various petroleum products, and also investigating in rat model of Sprague dawley strain, the variability in cardiovascular functions and possible mechanism following inhalation of petroleum products. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Control rats were not exposed to any form of petroleum products, while the petrol-exposed, diesel-exposed, and kerosene-exposed were exposed to petrol, diesel, and kerosene respectively. RESULTS: When compared with the controls, all exposed groups showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR). In comparison with the control, exposure to petroleum products also led to significant (P<0.05) increase in baroreflex sensitivity in the diesel- and kerosene-exposed rats. Baroreflex sensitivity was comparable in the control and petrol-exposed rats (P>0.05). Body weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in petroleum products exposed rats. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the variability of cardiovascular functions associated with inhalation of petroleum products is in attendant to baroreflex sensitivity and resetting of arterial pressure.

Comparison of the haemodynamic effects of pyrethroid insecticide and amodiaquine in rats.

Malaria infection is a common cause of morbidity and mortality especially in the tropics and subtropics. This has led to the increased prophylactic use ofpyrethroid insecticides and/or Amodiaquine (Aq) to combat the parasitic protozoan infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the comparative haemodynamic effects of pyrethroid insecticide and amodiaquine in rats. Experimental rats were randomly allocated into seven groups of five rats in each. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were exposed to pyrethroid by inhalation for 1, 2 and 3 min, respectively, while groups 4, 5 and 6 were administered Aqper oral at 5, 10 and 15 mg kg(-1) b.wt., respectively. Control rats were neither exposed to pyrethroid nor administered Aq. Pyrethroid insecticide led to reduced systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures, but increased pulse pressure. Aq treatment did not cause any significant variation in haemodynamic variables. Heart rate was comparable in all groups. Results from the study provide extended safety/toxicity profile for pyrethroid use and Aq treatment. Aq showed no cardiotoxic potential, while pyrethroids have hypotensive effect. It is thus recommended that exposure to pyrethroids should be minimized.

Effects of pyrethroid insecticide exposure on haematological and haemostatic profiles in rats.

High malaria burden has led to the increase use of insecticides in the tropics and subtropics. This study thus aimed at assessing the haematological effects and associated haemostatic alteration of pyrethroid insecticide exposure using experimental animal model. Rats of comparable ages and weights were randomized into four groups (A-D). Rats in groups B, C and D were exposed to pyrethroid insecticide by inhalation for 1, 2 and 3 min daily respectively for three weeks. Rats in group A (control) were not exposed. Haematological and haemostatic variables were comparable in all groups (< 0.05). Results from the study show that minimal exposure to pyrethroids is safe.

Hepatotherapeutic effect of Aloe vera in alcohol-induced hepatic damage.

There is a lack of reliable hepatotherapeutic drugs in modern medicine in the management of alcohol/drug-induced liver damage. Aloe vera extract has been used in folklore medicine for its medicinal values. This study evaluates the hepatotherapeutic activity of aqueous extract of Aloe vera gel in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups; the negative control, positive control and the extract-treated groups. The negative control received only distilled water daily. The positive control received alcohol, while the extract-treated group received aqueous extract of Aloe vera and alcohol. Hepatotoxicity was induced in the positive control and extract-treated rats with alcohol. The hepatotherapeutic effect was evaluated by performing an assay of the serum total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate and alanine transaminases and liver histopathology. Alanine transaminase activities were comparable in all groups. Alcohol treatment alone significantly (p < 0.05) increased total serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase activities. Alcohol-induced hepatic dysfunction was abrogated by Aloe vera extract. Histopathological examination revealed that alcohol induced hepatic damage. Aloe vera treatment maintained hepatic architecture similar to that seen in the control. This study shows that aqueous extract of Aloe vera gel is hepatotherapeutic and thus lends credence to the use of the plant in folklore medicine in the management of alcohol-induced hepatic dysfunction.