Expression of Ki 67 in Malignant and Premalignant Cervical Lesions in Nigerian Women

Background: Cervical cancer, though preceded by treatable premalignant lesions, ranks second among all cancers in Nigerian women. The proliferative marker ‘Ki-67’ is useful immunohistochemically to enhance the diagnosis of cervical dysplastic lesions, reducing inter-and intra-observer variability. This study is aimed at evaluating the role of Ki-67 expression in cervical dysplastic lesions as a diagnostic and prognostic tool.Methodology: We applied Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining on 142 cervical biopsies from the archives of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi in Anambra state, a federal teaching hospital. Ki-67stains nuclei of proliferating cells, and was expressed as Ki-67 scores and labeling index (LI). LI was calculated as the number of positive cells per 100 dysplastic cervical epithelial cells while Ki-67 score was given based on levels of positive staining per third of epithelial thickness. The data analysis was done using the IBM SPSS Statistics (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) software version 20.0, and the result presented with tables where relevant.Results: LI and Ki-67 score increased with increasing dysplasia. There was disagreement between IHC (immunohistochemistry) enhanced and morphologic diagnosis in 9 (6.33%) cases. Ki-67 IHC significantly enhanced the diagnosis of CIN (Cervical intraepithelial neoplasm) and carcinomas (x2 =0.001, P<0.05). Both premalignant and malignant cervical lesions were more common in fifth and sixth decades.Conclusion: Ki-67 IHC is a veritable diagnostic and prognostic marker, reducing inter-and intra-observer variability in the diagnosis of cervical dysplastic lesions

Antihyperglycemic effect of turmeric aqueous root extract and morphological changes in the pancreas of alloxan-induced hyperglycemic Wistar rats

Introduction: The study aims to evaluate the anti-hyperglycaemic effect of turmeric and the histological changes in the pancreas of adult Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Forty adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups of [A-D] ten rats per group. Group A was normal control, group B was diabetic control, group C was treated with 300mg/kg weight of extract and group D was 500mg/kg body weight. All animals had access to food and water ad libitum.  Aqueous extract of turmeric was administered orally, once daily for 14 days. The rats were then anaesthetized with dichloromethane before sacrifice and sample collection. Pancreatic tissues were processed, stained using the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) method. Blood glucose estimation was determined using the glucose oxidase method. Results: The mean body weights of the rats across groups were not statistically significant. Similarly, blood glucose levels across groups revealed a progressive statistically significant increase from group A to D and from day one to day 17. Pairwise comparison of group A with B, C and D showed a statistically significant increase but a comparison of Group B with C and D were not significant. Discussion: There was progressive body weight increase of the rats from day one to the final day across all groups and reduction in the blood glucose levels of the animals treated with 300mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weights, after seven days of treatment, but these, progressively increased with time even with treatment. The overall pancreas features indicate moderate inflammatory changes. Keywords: turmeric, anti- hyperglycemia, alloxan, Wistar rat