Neurodegenerative Potential of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ocimum gratissimum: A Histological and Biochemical Study

Ocimum gratissimum is an herbaceous perennial shrub which is widely distributed in many regions. It is consumed in food as seasoning locally in Nigeria. In the present study, the effect of the acute administration of the aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum (AeOG) on prefrontal cortical neurons was checked to assess its neurotoxicity potential. Thirty adult male Wistar rats weighing between 190-210 g were divided into 5 groups (n=6). Group A (control) received 1 ml of normal saline (p.o), groups B-E received 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg AeOG (p.o) respectively. Treatment lasted for fourteen days. Twenty-four hours after treatment, animals were sacrificed and their brains were removed. The prefrontal cortices neuronal morphology was studied using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain; while activities of acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assayed in the cerebral homogenate. AeOG administration at doses 300 and 400 mg/kg cause neuronal fragmentation and central chromatolysis with significant (P<0.05) increases in the activities of cerebral ACP and ALP. Our findings show that the acute use of AeOG caused neuronal fragmentation and central chromatolysis which are response to axonal injuries and may leads to onset of neurodegenerative diseases and affect cognitive and executive functions of the prefrontal cortex.Keywords: Ocimum gratissimum, Acid Phosphatase (ACP), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Neurogenerative diseases, Ra

Contributions of Animal Models to the Mechanisms and Therapies of Transthyretin Amyloidosis

Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR amyloidosis) is a fatal systemic disease caused by amyloid deposits of misfolded transthyretin, leading to familial amyloid polyneuropathy and/or cardiomyopathy, or a rare oculoleptomeningeal amyloidosis. A good model system that mimic the disease phenotype is crucial for the development of drugs and treatments for this devastating degenerative disorder. The present models using fruit flies, worms, rodents, non-human primates and induced pluripotent stem cells have helped researchers understand important disease-related mechanisms and test potential therapeutic options. However, the challenge of creating an ideal model still looms, for these models did not recapitulates all symptoms, particularly neurological presentation, of ATTR amyloidosis. Recently, knock-in techniques was used to generate two humanized ATTR mouse models, leading to amyloid deposition in the nerves and neuropathic manifestation in these models. This review gives a recent update on the milestone, progress, and challenges in developing different models for ATTR amyloidosis research

Evaluation of the effects of ascorbic acid on azathioprine-induced alteration in the testes of adult Wistar rats

The use of azathioprine (AZA) in the prevention of organ rejection during transplantation has been noted in different organs of the body. This study investigates the effect of ascorbic acid on azathioprineinduced alteration in the testes of adult Wistar rats. Thirty male adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups comprising a Control group A and four Treatment groups B to E. Animals in treatment groups B and D received 10 and 20 mg/kg of AZA respectively; whilerats in treatment groups C received 10 mg/kg AZA +25 mg/kg ascorbic acid, and group E received 20 mg/kg of AZA + 50 mg/kg of ascorbic acid. The control group animals received equal volume of normal saline via orogastric tube, and treatment lasted for 21 days. The testes were excised, weighed and fixed in Bouins’ fluid fortissue histology. Tissue homogenate was used to assay testosterone level, while blood was also obtained intracardially for glutathione peroxidase studies. Findings revealed significant histological changes in the treatment groups, decreased testosterone levels, and elevated glutathione peroxidase activity in all the treatment groups, compared with control. However, the treatment groups that received ascorbic acid had minimal, butsignificant reduction in the glutathione peroxidase activity compared to treatment groups without ascorbic acid intervention. Use of azathioprine induces significant damage to testicular structure, and this cannot be ameliorated by the use of ascorbic acid

Transforming Early Microbial Detection: Investigating Innovative Biosensors for Emerging Infectious Diseases

The recent global pandemic has highlighted an increase in the prevalence of communicable diseases caused by pathogens. The swift transmission of these diseases within a short timeframe presents a substantial risk to public health worldwide. The inefficiency of traditional diagnostic instruments, which need a time-consuming and complex process in the laboratory, is a significant obstacle to medical care. Currently, there is a high need for the advancement of early detection in order to rapidly diagnose infectious diseases and provide on-site results. This is crucial for prompt and early intervention to improve treatment outcomes. This also provides rapid testing and high-quality microbiological detection, comparable to laboratory standards, in a matter of minutes. Prompt diagnosis and subsequent treatment optimization aid in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Currently, ongoing techniques and methods are used in the advancements of early detection through biosensors. This review examines the integration of early diagnostics with biosensors, specifically in relation to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, challenges, and the future perspective