Testicular function following oral exposure to Tramadol and Cannabis sativa ethanol extracts in male Wistar rats

Objective: Substance abuse is a global challenge. This study investigated the effects of two commonly abused substances, tramadol and/or  Cannabis sativa ethanol extracts (ECS), on testicular function in Wistar male rats.Methods: Twenty-animals were equally divided into 4groups that received 0.9%NaCl (0.2ml), tramadol (40mg/kg), ECS (2mg/kg) and tramadol + ECS for 30days, respectively (daily p.o). Following anesthesia, blood samples were obtained and serum testosterone was determined. Testes and  epididymis were harvested and weighed. Sperm motility, viability and counts were evaluated in the epididymis while superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and histology (Haematoxylin & Eosin) were evaluated in the testis.Results: Sperm motility, viability, counts, testosterone level and testicular CAT was reduced in all experimental groups compared to control. Relative epididymal weights increased in tramadol only and ECS only compared to control. Testicular SOD was decreased only in the tramadol only and co-treatment (tramadol + ECS), respectively. LDH was increased in the tramadol only treatment group. Testicular histology in tramadol and co-treatment groups showed structural aberrations that are consistent with impaired spermatogenesis, antioxidant depletion and oxidative stress.Conclusion: Abuse of tramadol and/or Cannabis sativa ethanol extracts may predispose to testicular dysfunction resulting from decline in testicular antioxidants, testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. Keywords: Tramadol, Cannabis sativa, spermatogenic function, oxidative stress, testicular architectur

Effect of unripe Musa paradisiaca fruit diet on iron-induced renal impairment in rats

Unripe cvc fruit meal has been suggested to possess antioxidant potentials. This study thus investigated the effect of unripe Musa paradisiaca fruit (UMP) diet on iron-induced renal impairment, a likely consequence of iron-induced oxidative stress, in Wistar rats. Thirty-rats were equally divided into five groups. Group 1 (control) received standard rat chow only. Renal impairment via oxidative stress was induced with ferrous-sulphate (3mg/kg, i.p.) in groups 2–5 and animals were simultaneously maintained on standard rat chow (group2), 20%UMP-diet (group3), 40%UMP-diet (group4) and 80%UMP-diet (group5) respectively, for 28days. Thereafter blood samples were obtained from the retro-orbital sinus after light di-ethyl ether anesthesia into plain sample bottles. Serum was obtained from these samples and analyzed for urea and creatinine levels. Kidney samples were also obtained from each animal for histological evaluation using H and E stains. Urea and creatinine were significantly reduced in groups 4 and 5 compared to group 2. Animals in group 2 (iron only) had kidneys samples with poor architecture; renal cortices had moderate peri-glomerular, glomeruli and perivascular infiltration. The renal tubules in this group also lacked luminar space and exhibited epithelia depletion. These pathologies were partially prevented in groups 3 and 4 while group 5 (80%UMP-diet) showed kidney samples that were comparable with control. This study suggests that unripe Musa paradisiaca rich diet may reduce iron-induced renal impairment.Keywords: Unripe Musa paradisiaca , renal function, renal impairment, ironAfr. J. Biomed. Res. Vol. 22 (January, 2019); 101- 10

Route of exposure influences the cardiovascular effects of Cannabis sativa in salt-induced hypertensive male Wistar rats

Background: Exposre to Cannabis sativa (CS) has been suggested to exert ameliorative effects in hypertensive conditions. Using various exposure routes, this study investigated the likely cardiovascular protective effect of CS in high salt diet (HSD) induced hypertensive male Wistar rats. Methods: Exposure routes investigated include dietary incorporation (10%CS+90%HSD), ethanol extract of C. sativa intake (ECS, 3mg/kg p.o.), and inhalation of C. sativa fumes (1g/day/animal). GC-MS analysis of CS was evaluated, and forty animals were equally divided into 5 groups as follows; Group I (control) received normal diet, Groups II-V received HSD alone, CS+HSD, ECS+HSD, and CS fumes+HSD for 28days, respectively. Thereafter, systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure, and electrocardiographic readings were assessed. Haematological analysis of retro-orbital sinus blood samples after light anaesthesia was also evaluated for full blood cell counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen concentration, and blood viscosity. Aortic samples were harvested for histology. Resulte: The GC-MS showed Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin, Cannabidiol and Cannabinol, as prevalent in CS. The HSD only exhibited elevated (P<0.05) RBC, PCV, haemoglobin, MCV, platelets, WBC, neutrophil, blood viscosity, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure compared to control. CS exposure groups (III-V) exhibited reduced (P<0.05) RBC, PCV, haemoglobin, WBC, blood viscosity, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure compared to HSD only. However these values were elevated compared to control. ECG tracings seen in group II suggests myocardial electrical signal dysfunction while tracings in the CS exposure groups suggest partial amelioration of myocardial signalling pathways. Histology showed hypertension-induced aortic structural alterations that were not ameliorated by exposure to CS. Conclusion: Data obtained suggest that controlled exposure to Cannabis sativa either in diet, as ethanol extract or inhalation may mediate elevated blood pressure and impaired cardio-electrical signalling in salt (NaCl)-induced hypertension. However, hypertension-induced cardiac structural and vascular impairments are not ameliorated by exposure to Cannabis sativa Keywords: Hypertension, Cannabis sativa, blood pressure, aort

Oral administration of acrylamide compromises gastric mucosal integrity in Wistar rats

Background: Acrylamide, a potential toxicant and carcinogen, maybe formed in carbohydrate-rich food cooked at very high temperature. Its effect on gastric mucosa defense is not fully elucidated. Hence, the effect of acrylamide ingestion on gastric mucosal integrity was investigated.Methods: Fifty-four (54) Wistar rats (150-200g) were randomly divided into 3 groups; Group I (control) received 0.2mL distilled H20, Groups II and III received 7.5mg/kg body weight and 15mg/kg body weight acrylamide respectively. Both acrylamide and distilled water were administered orally for 28days. Thereafter, gastric secretion was obtained and analysed for gastric acidity. Gastric antioxidants status (superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione, catalase), lipid peroxidation, mucus content, nitric oxide, bicarbonate, prostaglandins-E and gastric mucus content were determined. Blood samples were also collected and evaluated for haematological indices. Histological changes, parietal and mucus cell counts were evaluated on gastric tissues.Results: Gastric secretion and acidity increased (P < 0.05) in the 15mg/kg acrylamide treated group. Glutathione, SOD, catalase, mucus content, bicarbonate, prostaglandins-E2, mucous cell count were reduced (P < 0.05) while parietal cell count, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide increased (P < 0.05) in both acrylamide treated groups compared to control. White blood cell count in group II was increased compared to control (P < 0.05). Acrylamide treated groups displayed gastric epithelial cells with poor architecture, lamina propria, submucosa inflammatory cell infiltration and vascular congestion.Conclusion: Acrylamide exposure degenerates gastric mucosal integrity in a dose-dependent manner via reductions in gastric protective factors, which thus predisposes the gastric mucosa to erosions and lesions.Keywords: Acrylamide, stomach, gastric mucosa, mucosal integrity, ulce

Effect of Methanolic extract of Musa sapientum leaves on Gastrointestinal Transit time in Normal and Alloxan induced Diabetic rats: Possible Mechanism of Action

Disorders of gastrointestinal motility have been associated with Diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycaemia particularly has been reported to inhibit gastrointestinal transit time while glibenclamide, a sulphonylurea and insulin, both increased transit time. Musa sapientum has also been reported as an antidiabetic agent but there is dearth of information on the effect of this plant on gastrointestinal motility. This study was therefore carried out to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of Musa sapientum leaves (MEMSL) on Gastrointestinal Transit time (GITT) in male albino rats with and without hyperglycaemia and to elucidate possible mechanism by which this extract functions. Fifty five albino rats were divided into 11 groups of five animals each. All animals were fasted for 24hrs before the begining of the experiment. Group 1 served as control; while the remaining groups (2 – 11) were treated with 250mg/kg; 500mg/kg MEMSL; diabetic control; diabetic treated with 250mg/kg; 500mg/kg MEMSL; diabetic treated with glibenclamide (5mg/kg); normal rats treated with Nifedipine (50mg/kg); normal rats treated with calcium chloride (CaCl2) only (10mg/kg); groups 10 and 11 were both pretreated with CaCl2 and subsequently treated with 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg MEMSL respectively. All plant extracts used for treatments were dissolved in normal saline and administered orally using orogastric tube. Charcoal meal was used as marker in the estimation of GITT. The study showed significant decrease in GITT in the normal rats treated with 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg of extract. However, in the diabetic rats treated with 500mg/kg MEMSL, there was significant increase in GITT and this is comparable with the gut response to glibenclamide (5mg/kg). Musa sapientum extract produced significant decrease in transit time in the calcium chloride pre-treated normal rats and this is comparable to the effect observed in Nifedipine treated group. The significant reduction in GITT produced by MEMSL in the normal rats reflects a strong possibility of MEMSL acting as calcium channel antagonist through the voltage gated calcium channel which may be due to the presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardenolides. There is the possibility of the extract acting as an inhibitor of potassium channel at higher concentration as observed in glibenclamide treated groups

Effect of Estrogen and Sodium Chloride on Fasting Blood Sugar and Weight-Gain in Female Diabetic Rats

The effect of estrogen and sodium chloride (NaCl) on fasting blood sugar and weight gain was investigated in female diabetic rats. Changes in serum sodium/potassium ratio on fasting blood sugar (FBS) was also investigated. Female wister rats with an average weight of 150gms were used for this study. 32 healthy rats were used for the control experiments. They were divided into 4 subgroups of 8 rats each which served as control, estrogen treated, NaCl treated, and combination of estrogen and NaCl treated. The remaining 32 rats were made diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (100mg/kg body weight) and divided into 4 sub groups as in the healthy rats. FBS, body weights and serum sodium/potassium ratio were determined in all the animals. The study indicates that both estrogen and sodium chloride significantly (P<0.05) lowered FBS in the female diabetic rats. However, the reduction of FBS level in the healthy (non-diabetic) rats - was significant (P<0.001) - though not sustained throughout the study. Treatments of the rats by using a combination of estrogen with sodium chloride showed a significant (P<0.001) reduction of FBS level. However, this reduction was not more than observed by treatment with only estrogen. This means that the substances do not have a cumulative effect in both diabetic and healthy rats. There was however, no significant difference (P>0.05) in serum sodium/potassium ratio in all the subgroups. The result of the investigation also demonstrates that there is significant (P<0.05) retardation of the weight-gain due to estrogen while sodium chloride significantly enhanced weight-gain (P<0.001) in both healthy and diabetic female rats. It was therefore concluded that both estrogen and sodium chloride enhance glucose utilization

Effect of Methanolic Extract of Chrysophyllum albidum Bark on Hematological Indices in Mice with Experimental Hemorrhagic Anemia

Chrysophyllum albidum is a common plant in the tropical Central, East and West Africa region.Its fruits are widely consumed and plant parts are vastly utilized. The broad utilization and consumption of this plant parts make it pertinent to examine its effect on blood parameters. This study was therefore designed to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of Chrysophyllum albidum on haematological indices in mice. Seventy five Swiss albino male mice (19g – 22g) were used for this study. 45 of which were anaesthetized with diethyl ether and 0.25mls (40%) of their blood drained through the retro-orbital plexus. Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) was determined 24hours after. Animals with Hb of <11.12 g/dl were considered anaemic and randomly divided into five groups of fifteen animals. Group1 - control animals (Nor), Group 2 - animals treated with 1000mg/kg b.w of Chrysophyllum albidumalone (MeCaB), Group 3- animals bled and treated with ferrous sulphate (BHaem), Group 4 - animals bled and treated with MeCaB (BMeCaB) and Group 5 animals were bled and untreated (Bla). Complete blood count was done using standard methods on days 3 and 7.The body weight of BMeCaB group showed significant (p<0.05) increase compared with control and Bla. The BMeCaB group showed significant increase (p<0.05) in RBC and Packed Cell Volume within 48 hours of treatment and up to day 7 compared with Bla and BHaem. There was significant decrease (p<0.05) in the Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio of BMeCaB and MeCaB compared with Bla.This study established the haematinic potentials of Chrysophyllum albidu

Effect of diet of Varying Protein concentrations on the Activity of Erythrocyte Membrane Ca2+Mg2+ ATPase in Dogs

Alterations in protein diet have been reported to result in alterations in calcium homeostasis in the body. Ca2+Mg2+ATPase is an ubiquitous enzyme important in calcium homeostasis in the body. The effect of varying protein diet on the activities of Ca2+ pump across cell membranes is however yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, the activity of erythrocyte membrane calcium pump in response to varying protein concentration in diet was therefore studied in the dog. The study was carried out in 24 dogs, randomly divided into 4 groups. The groups were fed with diets containing 30%, 26%, 16% and 0% proteins (high, medium, low and zero) for six weeks respectively. Blood samples were collected from each animal to determine packed cell volumes, hematocrit, blood urea, electrolyte studies and erythrocyte ghost membrane studies. The effects of Ca2+ and ATP on the activity of Ca2+Mg2+ ATPase were determined in the isolated ghost membrane. The result of the study shows that there was a protein diet dependent increase in the activity of Ca2+Mg2+ ATPase in the presence and absence of ATP in all the groups with the highest activity recorded in the high protein diet group and the lowest activity observed in the zero protein group. There was also a protein diet dependent increase in the protein concentration of the membranes in all groups observed with the highest protein concentration recorded in the high protein diet group and the lowest activity observed in the zero protein group.. There was a significant decrease in K+ concentration (P<0.05) and a significant increase in urea concentration of animals fed with high protein diet (P<0.05). There was also a significant increase (P<0.05) in HCO3- concentration in the animals fed with medium protein diet and no significant difference in the PCV and heamatocrit values in all groups. This study has shown that high protein diets increase the activity of the Ca2+Mg2+ ATPase in the presence and absence of ATP