Vitamin D supplementation attenuated carageenan-induced paw edema and formalin-induced nociception in indomethacin-treated rats

Background: This work evaluated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on carrageenan-induced paw edema and formalin-induced nociception in indomethacin treated rats.Methods: Rats were grouped into six (A – F) of 5 each. Groups (C – F) were pretreated for 14 days with vitamin D; 250, 500, 1000 and 1000 iu/day respectively. On day 15, they were treated as follows: group A (10 ml/kg distilled water), B; (10 mg/kg indomethacin), C – E; (10 mg/kg indomethacin) F (1000 iu/day vitamin D alone). One hour later 50 1% carrageenan or 25 5% formalin was injected into the sub-plantal surface of left hind paw. For carageenan-induced paw edema, paw sizes were measured 1 h later, then every hour for 5h. For formalin-induced nociception, number of paw licking/lifting was counted for each rat from 0 – 5 min (first phase) and 25 – 30 min (second phase) post-formalin injection.Results: Paw sizes were significantly (P<0.05) lower from 2 – 5 h post-carageenan injection in the 250 iu/day vitamin D + 10 mg/kg indomethacin group when compared with both controls. In the formalin-induced nociception, the 250 iu/day vitamin D + 10 mg/kg indomethacin, 500 iu/day vitamin D + 10 mg/kg indomethacin and the 1000 iu/day vitamin D alone groups produced significantly (p<0.05) lower number of paw lifting when compared with both controls in both phases.Conclusion: These findings suggest that vitamin D exerts antiinflammatory and antinociceptive responses that could be relevant for clinical application

Hepatic Histomorphological Changes and Oxidative Stress Profile of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Juveniles Fed with Sodium Propanoate-Preserved Diets

Sodium propanoate is in the list of approved feed preservatives. However, there is dearth of information on its biological effects on the C. gariepinus. The present study investigated the effect of sodium propanoate-preserved feed on the hepatic histomorphometric changes, oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters of C. gariepinus juveniles. One hundred juveniles of mixed sexes, assigned into 5 groups of 20 fish per group, with each group consisting of 2 replicates of 10 fish, were used for the investigation. Group A juveniles were fed basal diet, while groups B-E received basal diet incorporated with sodium propanoate at the rate of 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/15 kg of feed respectively. Treatments were done two times daily for 8 weeks. Samples (sera and liver) were collected on the last day for evaluation of a few biochemical parameters (malondialdehyde values, catalase activity, C-reactive protein levels) and histomorphometric alterations in the liver. Results indicated that fish in groups D and E had higher catalase activities, lower serum levels of C-reactive proteins and an intact hepatic histomorphormetry when compared with the control group. There was no significant difference in the plasma malondialdehyde values in all the groups. It was concluded that preservation of fish feed with sodium propanoates improved antioxidant status of C. gariepinus and protected liver histology

Disposition kinetics of ceftriaxone and determination of its therapeutic dose in dogs

Purpose: To evaluate the disposition kinetics of ceftriaxone (CFZ) in dogs with a view to determining its therapeutic dose and dosing frequency.Methods: Twelve (12) Basenji dogs (n = 4), divided into 3 groups (A, B and C), were used for the study. Ceftriaxone was administered intramuscularly at doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg once to groups A, B and C respectively. Plasma CFZ concentration was determined by agar well diffusion assay at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 h post-treatment, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were determined.Results: Intramuscular injection of CFZ to dogs resulted in rapid absorption, distribution and elimination (p &lt; 0.05). The elimination half-life was short and did not change significantly with increase in dose. Serum concentration of CFZ changed significantly (p &lt; 0.05) with increase in dose of CFZ. The maximum serum concentration (Cmax, 15.00 ± 1.18, 141.37 ± 15.87 and 259 ± 5.21 μg/mL) for groups A, B and C respectively were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) different. The steady state CFZ concentrations; 0.94, 8.81 and 16.19 μg/mL for groups A, B and C, respectively, were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) different. However, there was no significant difference in the time to reach steady state concentrations (Tmax, 00±0.021, 4.00±0.10 and 4.30±0.12 for groups A, B and C respectively). The therapeutic dose of CFZ was therefore determined to be 25 – 50 mg/kg every 4 h.Conclusion: Ceftriaxone undergoes rapid elimination in dogs with a short elimination half-life, thus making it an inconvenient prescription for out-patients in veterinary clinics. Keywords: Ceftriaxone, Pharmacokinetic profile, Dogs, Therapeutic dose, Veterinary clini

Anti-trypanosomal activity of secnidazole in vitro and in vivo

Purpose: To evaluate the anti-trypanosomal effect of secnidazole (SEC) in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The dose-response effect of SEC in Trypanosoma b. brucei infected rats was evaluated in five groups of rats (n = 5). Group A was infected but untreated; B was given diminazene aceturate (DA) (3.5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally, while groups C, D and E received orally 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg of SEC, respectively. The effect of a combination therapy of SEC and DA was studied in 7 groups of rats (n =5). Group 1 was infected but untreated; groups 2 – 7 were treated with DA (3.5 mg/kg), while groups 3 – 7 received in addition to DA, increasing double doses of SEC (50 – 800 mg/kg).Results: The MIC of SEC and DA were 1.4 and 0.0021 mg/ml respectively. SEC dose-dependently and significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lowered parasitemia from day 2 post-treatment (PT) compared with infected untreated rats. Parasitemia was cleared 3 days PT in all combination groups and 5 days PT in DA group. Relapse of infection occurred in Group 2, 13 days PT, and 16 and 27 days PT in Groups 3 and 4 respectively. There was no relapse of infection in Groups 5 – 7 up to 70 days PT.Conclusion: These results suggest that SEC possesses some degree of  anti-trypanosomal effect, and that combination therapy of SEC and DA was superior to DA alone.Keywords: Trypanosoma, Secnidazole, Diminazene aceturate, Anti-trypanosomal, Combination therap

Comparative evaluation of the chemotherapeutic efficacies of two salts of diminazene aceturate in Trypanosoma brucei brucei infected dogs

Purpose: To compare the anti-trypanosomal efficacies of 4,4-(diazoaminedibenzamidinetrihydrate) diacetate (4,4-DDBT) and 4,4-(diazoamino) benzamidine (4,4-DB) in experimental canine trypanosomosis. Methods: The efficacies of 4,4-DDBT and 4,4-DB were evaluated in 4 groups of dogs (n = 3) designated A-D. Group A was normal control without infection or drug treatment, group B did not receive any drug treatment but was infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei, while groups C and D were infected with T. b. brucei and treated with 4,4-DDBT(3.5 mg/kg) and 4,4-DB (3.5 mg/kg), respectively. Results: The incubation period of the infection was 6 - 9 days post-infection. Treatment of the dogs with 4,4-DDBT led to zero parasitaemia 48 h post-treatment, while there was only a decrease in parasitemia to log 6 in 4,4-DB-treated dogs. Resurgence of parasite into the blood stream occurred in 4,4-DDBTtreated dogs 6 days after initial parasite clearance. Blood analyses post-treatment revealed elevated leucocytes and lymphocytes in 4,4-DB-treated dogs (p &lt; 0.05). Packed cell volume was also observed to be higher in 4,4-DDBT-treated group when compared to 4,4-DB group (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that 4,4-DDBT is more efficacious in the clinical management of canine trypanosomosis caused by T. b. brucei. However, it does not prevent relapse of infection. Based on these findings, therefore, 4,4-DDBT should be the diminazene salt of choice when indicated in the clinical management of T. b. brucei infection in dogs

Evidence-based investigations into the ethnoveterinary use of Mimosa pudica L. (Fabaceae) as an anthlemintic

Purpose: To investigate the toxicity, clinical outcome and anthelmintic effects of M. pudica in vitro and in vivo.Methods: Dried leaves of M. pudica were extracted using 70 % methanol cold maceration method. Acute toxicity inquiry was evaluated using Lorke’s method. Anthelmintic effects were investigated in vitro using the egg hatch assay and in vivo using Heligmosomoides bakeri experimentally infected adult albino mice. Coprological and haematological parameters were recorded during the experiment while the serological analysis and post mortem worm burden were assessed at the conclusion of the research.Results: No mortality was recorded in oral acute toxicity test up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg. A probit-log analysis of the percentage egg hatch of the extract and albendazole gave lethal concentration 50 (LC50) values of 1.160 and -1.042, respectively. A reduction in worm count was observed in all the extracttreated groups post mortem, with the maximum extract group having the least worm count (p &lt; 0.05). Treatment with extract resulted in improvement in the haematological parameters. Serum chemistry revealed no significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) in alanine aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen in all groups. However, a dose-dependent increases in the total protein and albumin was observed.Conclusion: These results show that although M. pudica has weak anthelmintic effects compared to albendazole (standard&nbsp; anthelmintic), in vivo and in vitro, at the doses used in this study, nonetheless, it reduces worm burden and improves haematologic parameters, serum total protein, albumin and overall weight gain of the treated mice. Thus, increased doses may be effective in anthelmintic chemotherapy. Keywords: Mimosa pudica, Anthelmintic, Toxicity, Heligmosomoides bakeri, Ethnoveterinary medicine, Anthelminti

Clinico-toxicological effects of ceftriaxone after intramuscular administration of graded doses in Basenji dogs

Purpose: The recent ceftriaxone-induced anaemia and mortalities at the dose of 50 mg/kg in Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Nigeria prompted this study which sought to assess the clinicotoxicological effects of ceftriaxone (CFZ) after intramuscular administration of graded doses in Basenji dogs.Methods: The effects of CFZ on the haematological indices, physiological parameters, liver and kidney functions were assessed in 4 group of dogs (n = 4) designated A – D. They were given CFZ intramuscularly for 21 days at doses of 12, 25 and 50 mg/kg for groups A, B, C, respectively, while thecontrol (group D) received the diluent (lignocaine 0.2 mL)Results: The mean pulse and heart rate of dogs in group C were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher than those of group A, B and D. Significant (p &lt; 0.05) decrease in red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) was observed in group C on days 7 and 14, while on day 21, these parameters were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in group D than in the treated groups. On day 14 of CFZ administration, the alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities of dogs in group C was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) elevated than the control group.Conclusion: These findings suggest that CFZ, at the doses of 12.5 - 25 mg/kg, appears safe in dogs as most of the adverse effects observed are reversed following the withdrawal of the drug on day 28. However, CFZ at 50 mg/kg causes anaemia, tachycardia and bilateral paralysis of the hind limbs which did not revert to normal after one week; hence, it is not recommended for use in dogs at this dose

Evaluation of the Anti-ulcer Properties of the Aqueous Methanolic Leaf Extract of Palisota hirsuta and its Fractions in mice

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of aqueous methanolic leaf extract of Palisota hirsuta (MLEPH), against experimentally induced gastric ulceration in mice. Materials and methods: The plant material was extracted with 70% methanol for 48h and concentrated in vacuo with rotary evaporator, yielding 8.77%w/w MLEPH. MLEPH (50, 100, 150 mg/kg) and MLEPH fractions (MLEPHfr) (50 mg/kg) were studied in various ulcer models: acetyl salicylic acid (ASA), HCl-ethanol and cold restraint stress-induced ulcer models. Results: MLEPH at all doses used significantly reduced (P<0.05), the mean number of ulcers (MNU), while mean ulcer index (MUI) was significantly reduced by 50 and 100 mg/kg in ASA-induced ulcer compared with 10 ml/kg distilled water. The highest ulcer preventive index (UPI) of MLEPH (50 mg/kg) was 77% compared with 100 mg/kg cimetidine (83%). In the HCl-ethanol-induced gastric ulceration, MLEPH at 50 mg/kg reduced the MUI though not significantly (P>0.05) and gave a UPI of 33%. In cold restraint stress, MLEPH (50 and 100 mg/kg) decreased both MNU and MUI. However this was not significant (P>0.05) compared with the control. Both doses produced UPI of 57% compared with cimetidine (95%). The MLEPHfr7 (50 mg/kg), significantly decreased (P<0.05) MNU compared with both distilled water and cimetidine and MUI compared with cimetidine in HCl-ethanol-induced gastric ulceration. The UPI for MLEPHfr7 was 58% compared with cimetidine. The phytochemical constituents of MLEPHfr7 include tannins and reducing sugars. Conclusion: Our study shows that MLEPH and MLEPHfr exhibited promising antiulcer properties, mediated by tannins and reducing sugars through cytoprotective mechanisms. [J Intercult Ethnopharmacol 2013; 2(3.000): 141-146

Reproductive Effects of Medicinal Plant (<i>Azadirachta indica</i>) Used as Forage and for Ethnoveterinary Practices: New Insights from Animal Models

In some African and Asian countries, Azadirachta indica (AI) has been fed to livestock for decades and traditionally used to treat certain animal and human diseases. Recently, there are suspicions that the plant may possess anti-reproductive properties and concerns that the continued use of AI as forage or for folkloric medicine may detrimentally affect reproduction in the subjects. To address these challenges, this work determined the reproductive and fertility effects of a methanolic seed extract of AI (MSEAI) using adult female albino rats (AFARs) as an experimental model. Sixty-four AFARs were randomly assigned into four groups (A–D) of sixteen rats each. Group A was the control while groups B, C and D were treated daily with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of MSEAI respectively, for 28 consecutive days via oral gavage. Blood samples were collected for hormonal and biochemistry assays. Ovarian samples from the experimental rats were harvested for histopathological studies. Thereafter, the remaining experimental rats were bred, and certain fertility indices determined. The mean serum FSH and LH levels were significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05) in the 100 and 200 mg/kg groups. The histopathological studies revealed massive follicular degeneration in the 100 and 200 mg/kg treatment groups. The fertility indices indicated that the post-implantation survival index was 100% in the control and 0% in the 200 mg/kg treatment group. No abortion occurred in the control and 50 mg/kg groups, but 25% and 100% of the pregnant does aborted in the 100 and 200 mg/kg treatment groups, respectively. Considering that high doses (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) of MSEAI had significant anti-reproductive and antifertility properties, the use of AI as forage or for ethnoveterinary medicine in breeding females may adversely affect their reproductive potentials. However, the anti-reproductive and antifertility effects could be utilized in rodent depopulation programs in animal agriculture and as a contraceptive to limit the proliferation of stray dogs, known to be reservoirs of the rabies virus in developing countries. Moreover, the MSEAI could be further refined for human use as an effective, cheap, eco-friendly and acceptable alternative to synthetic/modern contraceptives, the use of which is limited in developing nations due to superstitious beliefs and their multiple side effects

Effect of Methanolic Fruit Extract of Piper guineense on Serum Biochemical Parameters and Histomorphology of the Liver and Kidney of Male Albino Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Piper guineense fruit is known for its nutritive and medicinal values. This study evaluated the biochemical effect of the methanol fruit extract of P. guineense on male albino rats. A total of thirty-eight (38) adult male Sprague-Dawley albino rats were used for the study. Eighteen of the male rats were used for the acute toxicity study, while twenty (20) male rats were randomly assigned into four groups (A, B, C and D) of 5 rats each, for the sub-acute toxicity study. Groups B, C and D were the treatment groups, while group A was the control group and received only distilled water (10 mg/ml). Groups B, C and D received 10 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight of the fruit extract respectively. Administration of the 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of methanol fruit extract of P. guineense led to a significant (P &lt; 0.05) increase in the serum ALT and AP on day 7 of the experiment. Throughout the experimental period, 200 mg/kg of the extract caused a significant (P &lt; 0.05) increase in serum total proteins and globulin. Group D rats had significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower serum total cholesterol on day 28 of the experiment. The 100 mg/kg of the extract caused a significant increase in serum urea and creatinine on day 21 of the experiment. Oral administration of methanol fruit extract of P. guineense caused mild hepatocellular injury, hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, hypocholesterolemia, and mild renal toxicity