TESTICULO-PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF MORINGAOLEIFERA SEED EXTRACT ON COPPER SULPHATE INDUCED INJURY IN WISTAR RATS

The aim of this study was to observe the testiculo-protective effect of aqueous extract of Moringaoleifera seed also known as Moringa seed on copper sulphate induced injury in Wistar rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats (200-300g) were randomly selected into four groups (5 rats per group). Group A served as control group and were given 2ml/kg of distilled water. Group B was administered aqueous extract of Moringa seed only (200mg/kg body weight). Group C was administered aqueous extract of Moringa seed (200mg/kg body weight) and copper sulphate (100mg/kg body weight) concurrently. Group D was administered copper sulphate only (100mg/kg body weight). All administrations lasted for three weeks. Results showed that in group D, there was proliferation of interstitial cells, degeneration of the seminiferous tubules as evidenced by hyalinization and blockage of the tubular lumen by immature spermatogenic series due to an arrest of spermatogenesis. There was also a significant decrease in testosterone level anda significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase level when compared with the control at p< 0.05. In group C rats, the results show mild interstitial connective tissue loosening and normal sequential maturation of spermatogenic series and normal levels of testosterone and lactate dehydrogenase. Conclusively, administration of copper sulphate causes testicular damage as evidenced by testicular hyalinization and arrest of spermatogenesis. However concurrent treatment of the rats with Moringa oleifera seed extract and copper sulphate have no effect on the testes, establishing the fact that Moringa oleifera seed extract offers a protective effect to the testes.Keywords: Testosterone; Moringa; copper sulphate; wistar rat; Moringa oleifer

Influence of Health Education on Prevention of Drug Abuse

The increasing scourge of drug abuse among adolescents is a major challenge facing mankind. As the importance of health education in disease prevention is enormous, drug misuse prevention programme requires introducing innovations, flexibility and reinforcement which will be effective in shortest possible time among the greatest number of people. This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of health education on prevention of drug abuse. 192 adolescents comprising of male and females, randomly selected from two secondary schools and a university were used as sample with ages ranging from 12-22years with a mean of 17years. The questionnaire, “DA Behaviour Inventory” was administered on the sample. Data was collected and analyzed using the t-test statistics at 0.05 level of significant difference. The findings showed that there is no significant difference in the pattern of drug abuse between adolescents with knowledge of drug education and those without knowledge of drug education. There is no significant difference in the pattern of drug abuse between male and female adolescents, there is no significant difference between the pattern of drug abuse of adolescents from upper and lower socio-economic background. Also there is no significant difference in the pattern of drug abuse of early and late adolescents. These findings were discussed and the implications as well. Recommendations and suggestions for further research were given.Keywords: Adolescents, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Education, Patter

Effect of cement dust on lung function of adult cement loaders in Benin City, Nigeria

Cement is one of the important construction materials used for housing and infrastructure development. It is made from a mixture of clay and limestone that is calcined in kiln. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of cement dust on lung function of adult cement loaders in Benin City using a total of 60 apparently healthy male and female subjects divided into two groups (experimental and control) of thirty subjects each between the ages of 25-40 years after ethical clearance. Anthropometric and Spirometry measurements were carried out on all subjects and data appropriately documented. Results obtained show reduction in the forced vital capacity of the experimental group(3.0L and 1.0L) compared to the control(1.0L).The forced expiratory volume in one second was reduced for the experimental group compared to the control(3.2L/Second and 1.0L/second respectively).The peak expiratory flow rate of the experimental group were reduced well when compared to the control (5.0L and 0.5L respectively).The results were statistically significant (P<0.05), hence cement loaders are advised to wear protective gadgets.Keywords: Cement, Lung function, Spirometry, Peak Expiratory flow rat

Effects of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Seed on Blood Glucose and Electrolyte Parameters in Diabetic Wistar Rats

Given the prevalence of diabetes worldwide, with its associated complications, this study is aimed at investigating the effect of citrullus lanatus seed extract on blood glucose concentration and electrolyte parameters. Citrullus lanatus is an antioxidant and has been shown to reduce oxidative stress (Khaki et al., 2013). Effects of phytochemicals (flavonoids) on pancreatic β-cells leading to their proliferation and secretion of more insulin have been proposed by Mahesh and Menon (2004), as the mechanism by which medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus reduce hyperglycaemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Fifteen female wistar rats were used in the study, they were divided into three groups of five rats each, namely; the control group, diabetes control group administered distilled water, and diabetes group administered watermelon seed extract. The diabetic groups were made diabetic by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Daily watermelon seed extract was administered orally (200 mg per kilogram body weight), one week post streptozotocin injection. On 29th day the rats were sacrificed and blood was collected via the inferior vena cava, into plain bottles and fluoride oxalate sample tubes for electrolyte; (Na+, K+, HCO3-, Cl-) and glucose analyses, respectively. Results showed that plasma glucose concentration decreased significantly (P<0.05) at week 2 and 4. However, administration of methanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus seed did not have any significant effects (P>0.05) on Na+, K+ , Cl- , and HCO3- concentrations . In conclusion, watermelon seed extract may be of supportive treatment to combat diabetes complications.Keywords: Watermelon; Diabetes; blood glucose; electrolyte; Wistar rat

Evaluation of serum Cd, Zn, and Cr in male cement loaders in Benin City, Nigeria

Production of cement is a dusty industrial process and its effect on the health of workers has been studied for many years. The aim of this research is to study the effects of cement dust on serum heavy metal in cement loaders in Benin City. The level of serum heavy metals: Cadmium,, Zinc and Chromium of thirty(30) male cement loaders and apparently thirty(30) healthy non-cement loaders (controls) were measured using standard methods. The results revealed that significant difference was observed in serum cadmium(0.4980mg/L) and chromium(1.220mg/L) concentration of cement factory workers exposed to cement dust when compared with control (0.4030mg/L and 0.03434mg/L respectively) at p<0.05). Proper safety measures such as wearing of face mask and workshop coat is thus advised to minimize the health effects of the cement dust.Keywords: serum, heavy metals, cement, loader

Prosection In Place Of Human Dissection – Way Out Of Scarcity Of Cadaver – Review Article

Anecdotal evidence suggests that there is a decline in the use of conventional human dissection and autopsies for teaching in some parts of the world. Opinions actually vary from one school thought to the other. Many academics conventional dissection of the human body as a teaching method while others feel the use of prosected specimen is equally adequate and serves as a means of reducing the burden of searching for human bodies for practical dissection. To stem the scarcity of human bodies (cadaver) for dissection, alternative methods are to be explored. Keywords: Conventional human dissection, Prosection; Cadaver, Medical education Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 2 (2) 2003: pp. 69-7

Thirst perception in dehydrated sickle cell disease patients in steady state

Liberal fluid intake is one of the key management strategies in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients in steady state, but less work has been done on the desire of patients to drink water. Using the Visual Analogue Scale we studied thirst perception (TP) in 20 euhydrated SCA patients and 28 control (HbA) subjects, as well as during dehydration in 13 SCA patients and 9 HbA subjects. Serum and urine samples were collected and analyzed for Na, K ions, creatinine concentrations and haematocrit and specific gravity of urine were determined. During euhydration, TP was significantly [P<0.05] higher in male SCA patients compared to the HbA subjects. In females, TP in SCA patient was not statistically significant compared with HbA subjects. After 13 hours of dehydration, TP was significantly [P<0.05] reduced in female. While dehydration increased TP in HbA subjects, it reduced TP in SCA patients. Fluid intakes after dehydration in SCA patients were not significantly different from the control HbA subjects in both male and female. It can be concluded that female SCA patients do not have normal response to dehydration with regards to TP after a period of dehydration. Since dehydration stimulates the release of vasoactive hormones like vasopressin, this may explain why female patients are less prone to crisis than their male counterparts