First report of polymelia and a rudimentary wing in a Nigerian Nera black chicken

A case of polymelia with a rudimentary wing is described in an eight-week-old Nera black chicken (Gallus domesticus). It is a rare disorder with chromosomal aberrations, which are associated with congenital limb malformations. The condition was observed during routine physical examination of a flock of 2000 poultry birds in the month of February 2008 in Ibadan, Nigeria. After physical examination, the bird was found to have two extra well-developed legs, which were shorter than the normal legs. These extra legs were also found to be non-functional. Similarly, a rudimentary wing, which was highly vestigial, was found on the left lateral side of the bird very close to the cloaca. The bird died at the age of eight weeks. This is the first reported case of polymelia with a rudimentary wing in a domestic chicken in Nigeria

The effects of prolonged oral administration of the disinfectant calcium hypochlorite in Nigerian commercial cockerels

This study was designed to investigate the effects of prolonged oral administration of calcium hypochlorite in the drinking water of commercial cockerels. It was carried out in order to ascertain probable toxicity associated with prolonged exposure to calcium hypochlorite. Thirty-two healthy birds were used; they were grouped into four groups of eight. Group 1, which served as the control, received 10 mL/kg body weight of physiological saline. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received 0.0375 g, 0.375 g and 0.75 g of calcium hypochlorite per 10 litres of drinking water for six weeks respectively. Six weeks after the administration of calcium hypochlorite, blood was collected from the jugular vein to assess liver function, lipid profiles and for markers of oxidative stress. The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in alanine aminotransferase activity in a dose-dependent manner when compared with the control. Also, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activity. Similarly, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein levels compared with the control. There was a significant increase in malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide generation with a concomitant significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum glutathione level in a dose-dependent manner when compared with the control. In this study, calcium hypochloriteinduced hepatic damage via oxidative stress and decrease in antioxidant defense system was found. Therefore, prolonged exposure of chickens to calcium hypochlorite is potentially harmful

Haematology and Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility Indices in Domestic Chicken Following Exposure to a Polyvalent Iodophorous Disinfectant

The effect of prolonged use of Iodosteryl, a polyvalent iodophorous compound, as water disinfectant, on the hematology and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of the domestic chicken was investigated. Twenty eight adult male domestic chickens of the Nera black strain were divided into four groups of seven birds per group. Birds in groups B-D were given potable water containing 1 ml, 2 ml and 4 ml/l Iodosteryl respectively for six weeks. Group A served as the control. Blood samples were collected from each bird after six weeks and analyzed immediately. No significant changes were observed in the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet total and differential leucocytes values. However, red blood cells (RBC) were slightly lower while erythrocyte osmotic fragility and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was higher in those birds exposed to Iodosteryl compared with control. This study confirms that prolonged use of Iodosteryl is stressful and may lead to intravascular haemaolysis as indicated by the higher erythrocyte fragility and ESR values, respectively. The damage observed may be due to peroxidation of erythrocyte membrane lipids, proteins or a generation of free radicals induced by iodine

In vitro potential of the acetone leaf extract and fractions of Psychotria capensis (Eckl.) Vatke (Rubiaceae) to combat co-infection of tuberculosis and helminthiasis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of global importance that affects millions of people. Approximately a quarter of the world’s population is currently infected with M. tuberculosis, and about 10% of those infected will develop into active disease, particularly immune compromised individuals. Helminthiasis is of global health importance, affecting over 2 billion people mostly in resource-poor countries. Coinfection with tuberculosis (TB) and helminths (worms) is an emerging global public health concern with both affecting about one-third of the global population. Chronic infection with helminths can result in impaired immune responses to TB as well as enhancing failure to TB therapy and BCG vaccination. Antimycobacterial and anthelmintic activities of the acetone extract and fractions of Psychotria capensis were evaluated, including their in vitro safety. In addition, the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect of the fractions and crude extract of P. capensis were assessed. Antimycobacterial activity of the extract and fractions was tested against four non-tuberculous mycobacteria (Mycobacterium smegmatis, M. fortuitum, M. aurum, M. bovis BCG) and pathogenic M. tuberculosis H37Rv while the Egg Hatch Assay (EHA) was used for the anthelmintic test on eggs of Haemonchus contortus. Cytotoxicity was determined against Vero kidney cells while in vitro immune modulation via cytokine production was determined on activated macrophages. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the Psychotria capensis acetone extract and fractions ranged from 39 to 1,250 μg/ml with the crude extract and hexane fraction having the best MIC values (both 39 μg/ml). In the EHA, the inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranged from 160 to 630 μg/ml with the hexane fraction having the best activity. The hexane and chloroform fractions were relatively non-toxic with LC50 values of 290 and 248 μg/ml respectively, while the acetone crude extract (64 μg/ml) and n-butanol fraction (71 μg/ml) were moderately toxic. The SI values (LC50/MIC) ranged from 0.1 to 7.4 with the hexane fraction having the highest value against M. smegmatis (7.4). The hexane fraction had the best dual anthelmintic and antimycobacterial activity. This fraction had the best NO inhibitory activity and was the least cytotoxic, indicating that its activity was not due to general metabolic toxicity, with 96.54% cell viability. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12p70 were upregulated while IL-10 expression was inhibited by the extracts. Compounds were detected using GC-MS analysis, and in both the crude acetone extract and the hexane fraction was the diterpene neophytadiene, which has antiinflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Finding alternative or complementary approaches to dealing with TB infections by, amongst other things, reducing the incidence of helminth infestations may lessen the burden of TB, contributing to slowing the spread of multi-drug resistance.The Women in Research Fund, South African Medical Research Council (MRC), the National Research Foundation, the University of South Africa and University of Pretoria.https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacologydm2022Veterinary Tropical Disease

Antidiabetic and anti-oxidant activities of the methanol leaf extract of <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i> in alloxan-induced diabetes in Wistar rats

The methanolic leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina (MLVA) was assessed to evaluate its antidiabetic potential in rats. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by the administration of alloxan monohydrate at 100 mg/kg of body weight. After 48 h, rats with fasting blood glucose levels of 200 mg/dL and above were considered diabetic and used for the study. The experimental animals were grouped into five groups (A–E) of 10 animals each. Group A rats were non-diabetic normal control, Group B consisted of diabetic control rats that received no treatment, groups C, D and E rats were diabetic rats but treated with glibenclamide, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses of MLVA respectively. Blood samples were collected at days 14 and 28 after induction for haematological and serum biochemical indices such as triglycerides, LDL, cholesterols etc. The intestine was collected and intestinal homogenate was prepared for the antioxidant studies. The extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses significantly (p < 0.05) reduced blood glucose levels in extract-treated diabetic rats and also significantly increased weight gain in these rats. Most haematological parameters in treated rats experienced, while platelets and neutrophils were decreased. Biochemical indices measured were reduced in MLVA-treated groups compared with diabetic control. Treatment with MLVA also produced significant (p < 0.05) decrease in markers of oxidative stress but increased levels of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidant markers in intestinal homogenates of treated groups compared with diabetic control. This study showed that V. amygdalina has antihyperglycaemic and in vivo antioxidant effects

Attenuation of Vanadium-Induced Neurotoxicity in Rat Hippocampal Slices (In Vitro) and Mice (In Vivo) by ZA-II-05, a Novel NMDA-Receptor Antagonist

Exposure to heavy metals, such as vanadium, poses an ongoing environmental and health threat, heightening the risk of neurodegenerative disorders. While several compounds have shown promise in mitigating vanadium toxicity, their efficacy is limited. Effective strategies involve targeting specific subunits of the NMDA receptor, a glutamate receptor linked to neurodegenerative conditions. The potential neuroprotective effects of ZA-II-05, an NMDA receptor antagonist, against vanadium-induced neurotoxicity were explored in this study. Organotypic rat hippocampal slices, and live mice, were used as models to comprehensively evaluate the compound’s impact. Targeted in vivo fluorescence analyses of the hippocampal slices using propidium iodide as a marker for cell death was utilized. The in vivo study involved five dams, each with eight pups, which were randomly assigned to five experimental groups (n = 8 pups). After administering treatments intraperitoneally over six months, various brain regions were assessed for neuropathologies using different immunohistochemical markers. High fluorescence intensity was observed in the hippocampal slices treated with vanadium, signifying cell death. Vanadium-exposed mice exhibited demyelination, microgliosis, and neuronal cell loss. Significantly, treatment with ZA-II-05 resulted in reduced cellular death in the rat hippocampal slices and preserved cellular integrity and morphological architecture in different anatomical regions, suggesting its potential in countering vanadium-induced neurotoxicity

Cardioprotective effects and antioxidant status of Andrographis paniculata in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats

Background: Myocardial infarction has been regarded as one of the fastest killer diseases of modern-day man. Aim: The protective effect of Andrographis paniculata on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in rats was investigated. Setting: The study was carried out in a laboratory setting. Methods: Animals were randomly divided into six groups of seven animals per group, and the treatment was as follows: normal control received normal saline for 9 days, isoproterenol group; three extract-treated groups in pre-treatment phase and an extract-treated group in post-treatment phase. The doses were given at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight for pre-treatment phase respectively while 200 mg/kg dose was given to the post-treatment phase group. Blood and heart tissues were collected for biochemical assays, haematological and histological analyses. Results: Myocardial infarction was recorded in ISO group but was corrected by the extracts in both pre-treatment and post-treatment phases. The ISO group experienced a significant decrease in antioxidant parameters, whereas the extract at all doses caused a significant increase in the activities of in these parameters. The extract caused a significant decrease in malondialdehyde content and hydrogen peroxide generation, whereas reverse was the case for the ISO group. Although no significant histopathological changes were recorded for the extract, the ISO group showed marked histopathological changes. ISO caused higher expressions of cardiac C-reactive protein (CRP) and CTnI and decreased the expressions of IL-10β; but this was the opposite for the extract. Conclusion: The ethanol leaf extract of A. paniculata significantly exhibits cardioprotective effects

The therapeutic potential of the novel angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in the treatment of coronavirus disease-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiological agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This virus has become a global pandemic with unprecedented mortality and morbidity along with attendant financial and economic crises. Furthermore, COVID-19 can easily be transmitted regardless of religion, race, sex, or status. Globally, high hospitalization rates of COVID-19 patients have been reported, and billions of dollars have been spent to contain the pandemic. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 is a receptor of SARS-CoV-2, which has a significant role in the entry of the virus into the host cell. ACE2 is highly expressed in the type II alveolar cells of the lungs, upper esophagus, stratified epithelial cells, and other tissues in the body. The diminished expressions of ACE2 have been associated with hypertension, arteriosclerosis, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and immune system dysregulation. Overall, the potential drug candidates that could serve as ACE2 activators or enhance the expression of ACE2 in a disease state, such as COVID-19, hold considerable promise in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reviews the therapeutic potential and pharmacological benefits of the novel ACE2 in the management of COVID-19 using search engines, such as Google, Scopus, PubMed, and PubMed Central.http://www.veterinaryworld.orgdm2022Paraclinical Science

Clofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) agonist, and Its molecular mechanisms of action against sodium fluoride–induced toxicity

AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIALS : Data will be made available based on request from the corresponding author.Sodium fluoride (NaF) is one of the neglected environmental pollutants. It is ubiquitously found in the soil, water, and environment. Interestingly, fluoride has been extensively utilized for prevention of dental caries and tartar formation, and may be added to mouthwash, mouth rinse, and toothpastes. This study is aimed at mitigating fluoride-induced hypertension and nephrotoxicity with clofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) agonist. For this study, forty male Wistar rats were used and randomly grouped into ten rats per group, control, sodium fluoride (NaF; 300 ppm) only, NaF plus clofibrate (250 mg/kg) and NaF plus lisinopril (10 mg/kg), respectively, for 7 days. The administration of NaF was by drinking water ad libitum, while clofibrate and lisinopril were administered by oral gavage. Administration of NaF induced hypertension, and was accompanied with exaggerated oxidative stress; depletion of antioxidant defence system; reduced nitric oxide production; increased systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure; activation of angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB); and testicular apoptosis. Treatment of rats with clofibrate reduced oxidative stress, improved antioxidant status, lowered high blood pressure through the inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, mineralocorticoid receptor over-activation, and abrogated testicular apoptosis. Taken together, clofibrate could offer exceptional therapeutic benefit in mitigating toxicity associated with sodium fluoride.Cape Peninsula University of Technology and National Research Foundation (South Africa).https://link.springer.com/journal/12011hj2023Paraclinical Science

Peperomia pellucida in diets modulates hyperglyceamia, oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in diabetic rats

Objective: To investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of Peperomia pellucida (P. pellucida) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Beside mouse chow, two diets were designed to contain 10%w/w and 20%w/w P. pellucida as supplements respectively. Diabetes was induced in groups of five male albino rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. Two groups of diabetic rats and normo rats were each fed one of these diets respectively, while two other groups served as positive and negative controls respectively. A seventh group was fed pelletized mouse chow. Results: Diabetic rats on diets supplemented with 10%w/w and 20%w/w of P. pellucida for 28 d resulted in reduction of blood glucose level. The level of total serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol decreased significantly (P<0.05) with the supplementation diets compared to the untreated diabetic rats. Also treatment with glibenclamide and P. pellucida (10% and 20%w/w) led to increased activities of SOD, CAT and GSH respectively. There was significant (P<0.05) reduction in the level of HDL-cholesterol, Catalase, SOD activities and GSH concentration in diabetic untreated rats. The supplemented diets significantly (P<0.05) reduced lipid peroxidation, which was elevated in untreated diabetic rats. Significant decrease (P<0.05) in the activities of AST, ALT and ALP was also observed in rats fed P. pellucida supplemented diets. Conclusions: The results from this study indicate that P. pellucida has an antidiabetic and antioxidant properties in experimental diabetes mellitus and thus justifies the acclaimed traditional antidiabetic use