The Effects of Crude Neem Leaf Acetone-Water Extract on Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) in Albino Wistar Rats.

Background: Despite the numerous and long-term use of neem leaf as a medicinal plant worldwide, there is scanty literature on its coagulative properties. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of fractionated neem leaf extract on Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT).Methods: Thirty (30) male albino wistar rats weighing 198 250g were allocated to 5 groups (A E) of 6 rats each, with similar average body weight. The test groups (A D) were fed orally by gavage for 4 weeks with graded doses of acetone water fractionated neem leaf extract, while the 5th group (E - control), was given 0.1ml of 2.5% Dimethylsulphoxide th (DMSO) for the same study period. At the end of the 4 week, 2mls of venous blood was collected. PT and APTT were estimated using standard haematological methods.Results: The results showed a statistically significant increase (P< 0.001) in the weight of the test rats in groups B, C and D, and a statistically significant decrease (P< 0.05) in group (A), when compared with the  control group (E). There was also a statistically significant increase (P<0.001) in the PT and APTT mean values of groups (A D) when compared with the control group (E). Analysis of variance of PT and APTT values of the test group with the control group revealed a statistically significant increase (P< 0.001) at the end of the study.Conclusion: This study has demonstrated a dose-related prolongation in PT and APTT values by fractionated acetone water neem leaf extract.Key Words: Neem leaf extract, coagulation screening

Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffaL. consumption during pregnancy on biochemical parameters and litter birth weight in rats

Background: Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HS; family: Malvaceae) are widely believed in folk medicine to be effective in the treatment of a variety of ailments. In Nigeria, anecdotal reports by women who consume HS during pregnancy suggest that they consume it because of the folkloric belief that it makes them “feel lighter”. This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal consumption of HS during pregnancy on litter birth weight and the functional integrity of the liver of pregnant rats.Materials and Methods: Thirty-six rats aged twelve to fourteen weeks were used. On day 1 of  pregnancy, the rats were randomly assigned to three groups. Group A were given tap water, group B were given 0.6g/100ml while group C were given 1.8g/100ml of the extract. On day 18 of pregnancy, blood samples were taken for determination of Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum  glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase, urea and creatinine.Results: Gestational length, litter size and birth weights were recorded at delivery. HS consumption did  not affect (P>0.05) SGOT level but increased (P<0.05) the SGPT and decreased (P<0.05) ALP and  creatinine levels. The low dose HS decreased (P<0.05) while the high dose HS increased (P<0.05) the urea level. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in the length of gestation but litter sizes and litter birth weights were significantly (P<0.05) lower and higher respectively when compared with the control.Conclusion: We conclude that consumption of HS during pregnancy increases litter birth weight possibly  through the gluconeogenic activities of the elevated SGPT.Key words: SGOT, SGPT, Urea, Creatinine, Birth weight, Hibiscus sabdariff

Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and other haematological parameters among non-diabetic hypertensive patients

No Abstract

Comparison of haematological parameters determined by the Sysmex KX - 2IN automated haematology analyzer and the manual counts

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study was designed to determine the correlation between heamatological parameters by Sysmex KX-21N automated hematology analyzer with the manual methods.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>Sixty (60) subjects were randomly selected from both apparently healthy subjects and those who have different blood disorders from the University of Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria. Three (3)mls of venous blood sample was collected aseptically from each subject into tri-potassium ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (K₃EDTA) for the analysis of haematological parameters using the automated and the manual methods.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The blood film report by the manual method showed that 50% of the subjects were normocytic-normochromic while the other 50% revealed different abnormal blood pictures. Also, there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in mean cell hemoglobin concentrations (MCHC) between the two methods. Similarly, the mean (S.E) values of hemoglobin, packed cell volume, platelet and total white cell counts demonstrated statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) and correlated positively when both methods were compared.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>From the present study, it can be concluded that the automated hematology analyzer readings correlated well with readings by the standard manual method, although the latter method gave additional diagnostic information on the blood pictures. While patients' care and laboratory operations could be optimized by using manual microscopic examination as a reflective substitute for automated methods, usage of automated method would ease our workload and save time for patients.</p

Biochemical and haematological assessment of workers exposed to some petroleum products in Enugu Urban, Enugu State, Nigeria

No Abstract. Nigerian Journal of Medicine Vol 15 (3) July-September: 318-32

Biochemical and haematological assessment of workers exposed to some petroleum products in Enugu Urban, Enugu State, Nigeria

No Abstract. Nigerian Journal of Medicine Vol 15 (3) July-September: 318-32

Toxicity study of DHFCOP-A, chemical derived from empty oil palm bunch ash in mice

Background: Deseeded Fruit Head Chemical of the Oil Palm – Fractionate A (DFHCOP-A) an anhydrous chemical, has a remarkable high pH 12-14 hence an alkali. DFHCOP-A is commonly used to prepare food delicacies native to the South-East part of Nigeria. Reports has shown cancer thrives in low pH. Cancer aggressiveness has been linked to the acidic extracellular microenvironment of tumour. The high pH of DFHCOP-A may have potentials to inhibit cancer growth. Objective: In this study we investigated the LD50 of DFHCOP-A in mice which will suggest doses for subsequent studies on its effect on tumour microenvironment. Methods: Two methods were used, Lorke's method and the up and down procedure (UDP). The tests were carried out in male and female mice which involved subcutaneous and oral administration. In the Lorke's method, female and male mice were divided in groups of three (n=3) for subcutaneous and oral administration. Varying doses 10mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 1000mg/kg were given. In the second phase, two groups (n=3), were administered 2000mg/kg and 5000mg/kg subcutaneously and Orally. For UDP, 5000mg/kg was administered subcutaneously (sc) to each male and female mouse in the limit test. In the main test, 7 and 12 male mice; 7 and 8 female mice were respectively treated subcutaneously and orally with up and down doses of 550mg/kg, 1750mg/kg, 2000mg/ and 5000mg/kg. Results: By Lorke's method, LD50 of 3,162mg/kg was obtained for both female and male mice by both routes. UDP estimated LD50 is 2000mg/kg for female and LD50 is greater than 2000mg/kg for male mice administered subcutaneously. LD50 for the orally administered female and male mice gave 5000mg/kg. Conclusion: UDP appears better than Lorkes methods because it highlighted the differential sensitivities of the male and female mice to DFHCOP-A, where female mice are more sensitive which reflected in LD50sc

Diagnostic quality of 50 and 100 mu m computed radiography compared with screen-film mammography in operative breast specimens

Objective: To compare reader ratings of the clinical diagnostic quality of 50 and 100 μm computed radiography (CR) systems with screen–film mammography (SFM) in operative specimens. Methods: Mammograms of 57 fresh operative breast specimens were analysed by 10 readers. Exposures were made with identical position and compression with three mammographic systems (Fuji 100CR, 50CR and SFM). Images were anonymised and readers blinded to the CR system used. A five-point comparative scoring system (−2 to +2) was used to assess seven quality criteria and overall diagnostic value. Statistical analysis was subsequently performed of reader ratings (n=16 925). Results: For most quality criteria, both CR systems were rated as equivalent to or better than SFM. The CR systems were significantly better at demonstrating skin edge and background tissue (p<1×10−5). Microcalcification was best demonstrated on the CR50 system (p<1×10−5). The overall diagnostic value of both CR systems was rated as being as good as or better than SFM (p<1×10−5). Conclusion: In this clinical setting, the overall diagnostic performance of both CR systems was as good as or better than SFM, with the CR50 system performing better than the CR100