Effects of Dietary Xylopia aethiopica on Hematological Parameters and Plasma Lipids in Male Wistar Rats

The effects of dietary intake of whole fruits of Xylopia aethiopica on blood parameters were studied. The PVC, Hb, MCV, MCHC, RBC, WBC, platelets, ESR, PT, APTT, cholesterol and triglyceride were estimated using standard methods. The fruits demonstrated significant increases (p<0.05) in Hb concentration, PCV, MCV and RBC counts, and significant decreases (p<0.05) in ESR and total cholesterol in the male Wistar rats. It is concluded that the whole fruits of Xylopia aethiopica exhibited positive effects on blood cell indices and properties, probably by virtue of its rich iron content, and that its reduction in serum total cholesterol is a welcome development as an antihyperlipidemia against the cardiovascular risk factors associated with elevated blood cholesterol levels.Key words: Xylopia aethiopica, hematological parameters, Lipid profile, Wistar rat

Xylopia Aethiopica lowers Plasma Lipid Precursors of Reproductive Hormones in Wister Rats

This study investigated the effects of dietary Xylopia aethiopica on reproductive hormones and plasma lipids in rats.10 male and 10 female Wistar rats weighing 200-220g and 120-150g respectively, and subdivided into two respective groups of 5 rats each (M1 and F1 as control; M2 and F2 as test), were used for this study. For 21 days,  the control rats received normal feed and clean water ad libitum, while test rats received 50g/kg of feed diet. Blood was collected from the rats and used to determine the reproductive hormone profile and plasma  lipids  concentration. Hormonal analyses were performed by the ELISA method, while lipid analyses were done using  enzymatic saponification for total cholesterol, and enzymatic hydrolysis by lipases for the triglyceride. Results  showed that there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in plasma testosterone concentration (2.70±0.82ng/ml) of  the treated male rats. The plasma concentrations of estradiol (13.80±2.84pg/ml) and progesterone  (2.85±0.64ng/ml) in the treated females were also significantly reduced. Lipid analyses showed significant reduction in total plasma cholesterol in the treated male rats (1.20±0.63mmol/l) and female rats (1.75±0.55mmol/l). Our  results suggest that dietary Xylopia aethiopica can induce a reduction in plasma levels of steroid reproductive  hormones, possibly through reduction in plasma cholesterol.Keywords: Xylopia aethiopica, reproductive hormones, plasma lipids

Cholesterol Profile of Adults Resident in Eastern Nigeria

Objective: The present study aims to determine a cholesterol profile for people living in this part of Eastern Nigeria. This will enable recommendation of a range of normal Cholesterol levels for the people living in this part of the world. Method: Total serum cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL and triglycerides levels were determined in about 200 apparently healthy subjects – males and females. Both enzymatic and mathematical methods were used to achieve these results. Results: Mean total serum cholesterol level for male was 4.39 ± 0.21 (mmol/l) while value obtained for females was 4.5 ± 0.22. The difference observed was not statistically significant. The values obtained for cholesterol fractions include – HDL 2.07 ± .01 for males and that obtained for females was 1.28 ± .06. LDL levels were 2.75 ± 0.13 for males and 2.98 ± 0.14 for females. VLDL values showed 0.27 ± 0.02 for males and 0.25 ± 0.02 for females. Values obtained for triglycerides were 0.29 ± 0.09 for males and females 0.25 ± 0.01. The difference observed in the values for the male and female subjects were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Cholesterol values for males and females in this part of Eastern Nigeria are similar. The values, however, seem lower than those for Europeans and Americans. Key Words: Cholesterol Profile, Eastern Nigeria Orient Journal of Medicine Vol.15(3&4) 2003: 46-5

HDL-LDL Ratio: A Significant Predisposition to the Onset of Atherosclerosis

The significance of high-density lipoprotein/low density lipoprotein (HDL-LDL) ratio as a predisposing factor to the onset of atherogenesis has been studied. Standard enzymatic method using Cholesterol kit to extract cholesterol was used. HDL was analysed using standard HDL Kit and LDL concentration was derived by a standard mathematical formula. There is a significant difference between HDL and LDL concentration within the hypertensive group, whereas this is not the case with the normotensive group. HDL is responsible for reverse cholesterol transport from peripheral tissues and LDL does the opposite. It is thus clear why the overwhelming concentration of LDL in Hypertensive could be atherogenic. Key Words: Hypertension, atherosclerosis, cholesterol, lipoprotein Nig. J. Health and Biomed. Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 78-8

Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation and Angiotensin II Sensitivity in Experimental Preeclampsia

<p>Objective: We investigated endothelial dysfunction and the role of angiotensin (Ang)-II type I (AT1-R) and type II (AT2-R) receptor in the changes in the Ang-II sensitivity in experimental preeclampsia in the rat.</p><p>Methods: Aortic rings were isolated from low dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infused pregnant rats (experimental preeclampsia; n=9), saline-infused pregnant rats (n=8), and saline (n=8) and LPS (n=8) infused non-pregnant rats. Endothelium-dependent acetylcholine--mediated relaxation was studied in phenylephrine-preconstricted aortic rings in the presence of vehicle, N-G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and/or indomethacin. To evaluate the role for AT1-R and AT2-R in Ang-II sensitivity, full concentration response curves were obtained for Ang-II in the presence of losartan or PD123319. mRNA expression of the AT1-R and AT2-R, eNOS and iNOS, COX1 and COX2 in aorta were evaluated using real-time RT-PCR.</p><p>Results: The role of vasodilator prostaglandins in the aorta was increased and the role of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor and response of the AT1-R and AT2-R to Ang-II was decreased in pregnant saline infused rats as compared with non-pregnant rats. These changes were not observed during preeclampsia.</p><p>Conclusion: Pregnancy induced adaptations in endothelial function, which were not observed in the rat model for preeclampsia. This role of lack of pregnancy induced endothelial adaptation in the pathophysiology of experimental preeclampsia needs further investigation.</p>