Khat distorts the prefrontal cortex histology and function of adult Wistar rats

Khat is a psychoactive herbal drug of pronounced ethno-pharmacological significance often abused due to its unregulated use. It affects many brain centers including the prefrontal cortex which is the anterior most part of the frontal lobe. The prefrontal cortex modulates working memory, planning complex cognitive behaviors however; it is linked to many psychological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and memory loss. We studied the effects exerted by khat on the PFC cytoarchitecture and functions since this part of the brain is highly interconnected with various cortical regions. This was an experimental study of 6 weeks. A total of 24 male adult wistar rats of 130g-155g were divided into four groups of 6 animals that received respective khat doses of 2000mg/kg, 1000mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 10ml/kg of distilled water for the controls. Brain to body weight ratio was determined at week 6 using an analytical balance (Fisher Science Education™, RS232C; USA). Histology of the brain was determined using H and E and Kulvers staining technique. Khat exhibited features of prefrontal cortex disorientation such as necrosis, vacuolations, chromatolysis, demyelination, cortical degeneration and hemorrhage in a dose dependent manner. Selective attention and working memory were impaired well as brain to body weight ratio was reduced significantly (P ≤ 0.05). Repeated exposure to khat distorts the prefrontal cortex cytoarchitecture and impairs selective attention and working memory accuracy due to ischemia and cell exhaustion by khat toxicity.Keywords: Khat, prefrontal cortex histology, working memory, selective attentio

Neuroprotective potential of Lantana trifolium ethanolic extract against ethambutol induced histological changes in the optic nerve

Ethambutol is an anti-tuberculosis drug important in treatment of multidrug resistant tuberculosis which is on a rise due to emergence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus. However, it has been associated with side effects on optic nerve histology leading to severe neuropathy. The purpose of this study was to establish the protective potential of Lantana trifolium ethanolic extract against ethambutol induced histological changes in the optic nerve. Twenty five male adult wistar rats of 110-130g average weight were used. These were divided into five groups each comprising five animals. Group A received distilled water only. Group B was treated with 100 mg/kg/day of ethambutol. Groups C, D, and E were treated with 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day of Trifolium Extract respectively, one hour before administering 100 mg/kg/day of ethambutol. After five weeks the optic nerves were excised, processed and stained for histological studies. It was observed that Lantana trifolium ethanolic extract had a dose dependent protective potential against ethambutol induced histological changes in the optic nerve. The histology of the optic nerve showed that the numbers of vacuoles were significantly few in group A (2.2±0.37), D (6.2±1.07), and E (5±0.71) when compared against the positive control group (37.4±1.54). Axons were mildly demyelinated in group D and E compared to group B and C. The protective potential of Latana trifolium is possibly present due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Studies to determine the exact phytochemical component and mechanism of action responsible for the neuroprotective potential of Latana trifolium should be conducted.Keywords: Ethambutol, Optic Nerve, Lantana Trifolium, Optic Neuropath

Effect of Cleome gynandra leaf extract on the estrous cycle and histology of the ovary and uterus of wistar albino rats

Cleome gynandra is a medicinal plant that is used all over Uganda to hasten childbirth because, it possesses the ability to contract the uterus. It is also used as an abortifacient in the first trimester. In this study, the effects of Cleome gynandra were investigated on the estrous cycle and the histology of the ovary and uterus of adult Wistar rat. Twelve adult female Wistar rats of 130-140g average weight were used. These were divided into three groups of four animals each. Group A received distilled water only, while animals in groups B and C received 250mg/kg body weight and 500mg/kg body weight of extract, orally and daily respectively. Monitoring of estrous cycle continued throughout the three weeks of extract administration. After three weeks, the ovaries and uteri were excised and processed for histological examination. In the ovary, there was a reduction in number of primordia, primary, secondary and graafian follicles in the treated groups. Vacuolations were common to both the ovarian and uterine tissues of treated animals. The estrous cycle of Group B and C, showed a mild disruption when compared to animals in Group A. The results showed that the plant extract studied, exerted negative influences on the estrous cycle and histology of the ovary and uterus of Wistar albino rats, suggesting a disturbance on the reproductive health of the animals. Further studies to determine the mechanism of action of Cleome gynandra on the ovary and uterus and the levels of FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone is recommended.Key Words: Cleome gynandra, estrous cycle, Wistar albino rats, ovarian follicles

COVID-19-related mental health burdens: Impact of educational level and relationship status Among low-Income earners of Western Uganda

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between mental health with the level of education, relationship status, and awareness on mental health among low-income earners in Western Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among 253 participants. Anxiety, anger, and depression were assessed using a modified generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), Spielberger\u27s State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2, and Beck Depression Inventory item tools, respectively. Results: The majority of our respondents were male (n = 150/253, 59.3), had a secondary level of education (104/253, 41.1), and were single (137/253, 54.2). No formal education and primary education (r2 = 47.4% and 6.4%, respectively) had a negative correlation with awareness of mental health care. In addition, no formal education had a positive correlation with anger and depression (r2 = 1.9% and 0.3%, respectively). Singleness in this study had a negative correlation with awareness of mental health care, anger, and depression (r2 = 1.9, 0.8, and 0.3%, respectively), and a positive correlation with anxiety (r2 = 3.9%). Conclusion: It is evident that education and relationship status influenced awareness on mental health care and mental health state among low-income earners in Western Uganda during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Therefore, policymakers should strengthen social transformation through the proper engagement of low-income earners in this COVID-19 era

Anxiety, Anger and Depression Amongst Low-Income Earners in Southwestern Uganda During the COVID-19 Total Lockdown

Background: Low-income earners are particularly vulnerable to mental health, consequence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions, due to a temporary or permanent loss of income and livelihood, coupled with government-enforced measures of social distancing. This study evaluates the mental health status among low-income earners in southwestern Uganda during the first total COVID-19 lockdown in Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken amongst earners whose income falls below the poverty threshold. Two hundred and fifty-three (n = 253) male and female low-income earners between the ages of 18 and 60 years of age were recruited to the study. Modified generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), Spielberger's State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) tools as appropriate were used to assess anxiety, anger, and depression respectively among our respondents. Results: Severe anxiety (68.8%) followed by moderate depression (60.5%) and moderate anger (56.9%) were the most common mental health challenges experienced by low-income earners in Bushenyi district. Awareness of mental healthcare increased with the age of respondents in both males and females. A linear relationship was observed with age and depression (r = 0.154, P = 0.014) while positive correlations were observed between anxiety and anger (r = 0.254, P < 0.001); anxiety and depression (r = 0.153, P = 0.015) and anger and depression (r = 0.153, P = 0.015). Conclusion: The study shows the importance of mental health awareness in low resource settings during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Females were identified as persons at risk to mental depression, while anger was highest amongst young males

Ethyl acetate fraction of Tamarindus indica leaf ameliorates aluminium chloride induced neural damage in neonatal Wistar rats

Background: Tamarindus indica (TI) extract is known to possess important phytochemical composition. The study aimed to assess the effects of ethyl acetate fraction of TI leaves (EATI) on memory and learning, traced element and brain sialic acid levels, and hippocampal Nissl substance expression following prenatal (PN) AlCl3 exposure in Wistar rat pups. Methods: Pregnant rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 4); Group I received distilled water (negative control), Group II-V were experimental groups treated with 200 mg/kg of AlCl3. Group II (positive control), Groups III, and IV received 400 mg kg−1 and 800 mg kg−1 of EATI, respectively, and Group V received 300 mg kg−1 of Vitamin E (comparatively control) for 2 weeks (PN day 7–21). On postnatal (PoN) day 19, male pups were subjected to novel object recognition test (n = 5). Some pups were euthanized on PoN days 7 and 21; and samples were collected for quantification of trace element (n = 5), brain sialic acid concentration (n = 5), and Nissl staining using cresyl fast (n = 3). Results: The results of the trace elements quantification on PoN days 7 and 21 revealed significantly lower mean copper, zinc, and iron, and significantly higher calcium level in the group treated with 400 and 800 mg kg−1 of EATI when compared with the positive control group. EATI at a dose of 800 mg kg−1 showed improvement in memory and increased brain sialic acid. EATI 400 mg kg−1 increased only free sialic acid and had no effect on memory. Improvement in Nissl staining was observed in the EATI treated group on PoN day 7 and 21. Conclusion: The administration of EATI ameliorated AlCl3-induced neural toxicity