Sperm parameters of male Wistar rats treated with Anacardium occidentale L. leaf extract

Objective: Annacardium occidentale is a medicinal plant with several biological properties. Phytochemical screening of its leaf and stem bark was reported to be rich in alkaloids, polyphenols, tannins and saponins. Many plant extract with these phytochemicals are reputed for their antifertility activities. This study was therefore designed to investigate the effects of Annacardium occidentale leaf extract (AOLE) on sperm parameters of male rats.Methods: Fifteen male rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=5). Group 1 served as the control and received 0.5 ml of the vehicle (distilled water). Groups 2 and 3 received 50 and 200 mg/kg respectively (daily, p.o) for 6 weeks. All rats were sacrificed by cervical decapitation. Organ weights and sperm analysis (motility, viability, count, volume and morphology) were determined.Results: AOLE had no effect on total body weight, visceral organ weights and weights of testes, caudal epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate gland. Also sperm viability, sperm count, sperm volume and the percentage of sperm cells with abnormal morphology was not affected by AOLE treatment.Conclusion: AOLE at doses administered caused a slight decline in sperm motility but had no effect on other male reproductive parameters.Keywords: Annacardium occidentale, sperm, antifertility, phytochemical

Allium Cepa Ameliorates Ethanol-Induced Gastric Injury in Rats Via Reduction in Gastric Neutrophils Infiltration

Neutrophil-derived oxygen free radicals have been implicated in the aetiology of gastric tissue damage. In this study, the ameliorative effects of Allium cepa on neutrophil infiltration, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities in the ethanol-induced gastric injury were examined. Twenty four adult male Wistar rats were used for this study and divided into four groups; Control, Allium cepa, Allium cepa + Ethanol and Ethanol. Allium cepa was administered (1mL/100g body weight) daily for twenty eight days while 0.2mL of 98% (v/v) ethanol per 23g Body Weight was used to induced gastric damage. Macroscopic measurement of ulcer area, histological examination and biochemical analyses (Malondialdehyde level, Myeloperoxidase (index of neutrophil accumulation), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) activities) were carried out in plasma and gastric tissue. Ethanol administration significantly (p<0.05) increased ulcer score and ulcer index, decreased percentage ulcer inhibition, increased MDA and MPO, decreased SOD and CAT activities. Histological findings show glandular destruction in the gastric mucosa and infiltration of inflammatory cells in ethanol only group. These effects were ameliorated with Allium cepa pre-treatment. The results obtained from this study demonstrate the ameliorative effect of Allium Cepa on ethanol-induced gastric injury by reduction in gastric neutrophils infiltration and increased antioxidant activities. Keywords: Gastric, Allium Cepa, Neutrophil, Myeloperoxidas

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

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

Effects of Hedranthera barteri root extract on Gastric emptying and Intestinal Motility in Wistar rats

Hedranthera barteri leaf extracts have been reported in folk medicine to have laxative properties amongst its many other therapeutic potentials. This study was therefore carried out to investigate the effects of Methanol extract of Hedranthera barteri (MEHBR) root on gastric emptying and intestinal motility in albino rats. The methanol extract of H. barteri (MEHBR) was obtained by cold extraction and stored at 4°C. Forty-eight female rats weighing (180-200g) were randomly divided into two groups of 24 rats each based on the parameters being assessed (gastric emptying and intestinal motility). Each subgroup was divided into four groups of six rats each as follows: Group 1, the control group, was given normal saline while animals in groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated with 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg of MEHBR respectively. Gastric emptying was assessed using the glass beads method and gastrointestinal motility was assessed as a measure of the percentage change in gastrointestinal transit time using the charcoal meal method. A decrease in gastric emptying rate was observed in the rats treated with MEHBR at 50mg/kg (P < 0.05) when compared to control rats while values obtained in the 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg MEHBR treated rats indicate a significant increase in gastric emptying rate. Intestinal motility increased in a dose dependent manner with the 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg exhibiting percentage gastrointestinal transit time of 47.3 ± 5.5%, 35.7 ± 5.2% and 23.3 ± 3.0% respectively. Methanol root extracts of Hedranthera barteri decreases gastric emptying rate at low dose and increases gastric emptying at high doses. H. barteri also increases gastrointestinal motility in a dose dependent manner with 200mg/kg treatment exhibiting the highest laxative effect.

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

Linear Body Measurement Relationship in White Fulani Cattle in Derived Savannah zone of Nigeria

The study was conducted to evaluate genetic relationship between linear body measurements of white Fulani cattle in the derived savannah zone of Nigeria. Data was collected on 45 white Fulani cattle (19 female and 26 male). Linear body measurement (LBM) traits measured were Body length (BDL), Hip height (HPH), Heart girth (HG), Horn length (HL), Tail length (TL), Ear length (EL) and Thoracic length (THL). Data generated were analyzed using SAS procedure. The mean of BDL, HPH, HG, HL, TL, EL, and THL of both female and male were 39.65-33.07, 57.28-48.55, 8.10-7.69, 18.92-9.73, 36.73-32.15, 49.10-46.06, and 28.73-20.73 respectively. Result indicated that Body length was significantly (p<0.05) different in favor of female cattle. Similar result was obtained for other LBM. HG gave highest coefficient of determination in both sexes (0.92; female and 0.89; male) followed by HL (0.82; female and 0.64; male). Relationships between the variables were positive and significant, highest values were obtained between body length and hearth girth (0.823) while lowest value was obtained between ear length and tail length. Relationships between the variables were positive and significant, highest values were obtained body length and hearth girth while lowest value was obtained between ear length and tail length. Conclusively, relationship that existed between body measurement can be exploited for selection and breeding programme in white Fulani cattle. Keywords: Genetic, Variables, coefficient and selectio

Genetic Similarity of Yoruba Ecotype Indigenous Chickens Using Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis

The study investigated genetic similarity of Yoruba Ecotype Indigenous chicken at four protein Loci: Globulin (95SkDa), Transferrin (66kDa), Albumin (36kDa) and post albumin (29kDa) using Sodium Do decyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) following the procedure of Bio rad resource centre. Dendogram was plotted from data generated using PAST (Palenthological statistics) soft ware for each of the protein. Similarity indices were; Transferrin (58%), Albumin (19%), Globulin (18%) and post albumin (40%).  The population is genetically similar at Transferrin locus and varied widely at Albumin, Globulin and Post Albumin loci. Conclusively, the population is still under the control of natural selection. Further research should be extended to more protein loci and DNA characterisatio