The effect of steroidal contraceptives on liver enzymes and serum proteins in white albino rats

This study assessed the influence of steroidal contraceptives on liver enzymes and serum total protein using 48 adult female rats in four groups -A as control and B, C and D as tests. The animals were further divided into two subgroups - treatment (A1 - D1; n=6 each) and reversal (A2 - D2; n=6 each). Groups A1&A2 received normal feed and water only, while B1&B2, C1&C2 and D1&D2, respectively received 0.03mg/kg of Norethisterone enantate intramuscularly once in 6 days for 3 estrous cycles; 0.03mg/kg of Lynesternol daily for 6 days and repeatedly for 3 estrous cycles; and a combination of 0.03mg/kg of Ethinylestradiol and 0.03mg of Levonorgestrel daily for 6 days and repeatedly for 3 estrous cycles. At the end of the treatment phase, blood samples were collected from groups A1 - D1 for laboratory analysis, while the treatments for groups B2 - D2, were suspended and monitored for same period (reversal phase) prior to blood sample collection and analysis. The results affirmed that steroidal contraceptives had capacity to induce significant elevation and reduction in levels of liver enzymes and serum total protein respectively; hence the call for caution to avoid unwarranted complications.Keywords: Liver enzymes, Serum, Steroidal Contraceptives, Total protei

Deteriorating hemostatic functions of adult female Wistar rats mediated by activities of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – piroxicam and Vitamin E

Summary: The status of hemostatic parameters, are useful physiological markers of organ and tissue damage and dysfunction. This study investigated the effect of Piroxicam on some hemostatic parameters of albino Wistar rats. Twenty-four (24) female albino Wistar rats were used for this study, they were randomly divided into four (4) groups of six (6) rats each. Group A served as control, Group B and C were rats treated with 0.1 mg/kg and 0.2 mg/kg piroxicam while Group D served as 0.2 mg/kg piroxicam treated rats administered with Vitamin E. The experiment lasted for a period of 4 weeks, after which the rats were euthanized. Blood sample was collected for measurement of bleeding time, clotting time, fibrinogen level and platelets count. One-way ANOVA was used to compare, means and a p<0.05 was considered significant.Result: Data generated showed that Piroxicam significantly (p<0.05) decreased the clotting time, platelets count and fibrinogen level. Piroxicam also significantly (p<0.05) increased the bleeding time level of the rats. Co-administration of Vitamin E significantly (p<0.05) increased the bleeding time, it also significantly decreased the clotting time, fibrinogen level and platelets counts.Conclusion: This study therefore shows that Piroxicam impairs hemostasis while Vitamin E administration further enhances the activities of Piroxicam on hemostatic parameters.Keywords: Hemostasis, NSAIDs, Piroxicam, Bleeding Time, Clotting Time, Fibrinoge

Effect of Maternal Indices on Fetal Outcomes in a Primary Health Care Centre

Abstract: It is well known that perinatal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates are functions of birth weight. In the present study. the effects of maternal indices on the fetal outcome were investigated. A total of Two hundred consenting pregnant mothers who delivered between 2007-2010 in a primary Health Care centre in Delta State, Nigeria were recruited for the study. Those who had chronic ailments or pregnancy complications were excluded from this study. The data collected includes maternal weight. maternal age, gestational age, sex of baby. The result shows a significant (p<0.05) relationship between the mean maternal weight, mean maternal age and mean gestational age with the mean birth weight and also a non significant relationship between the sex of babies with birth weight and gestational length. Therefore, it is advocated that special attention should be given to pregnant women during antenatal care/prenatal care in order to minimize or eliminate the complications associated with low birth weight delivery

Arjunolic acid counteracts fluoxetine-induced reproductive neuroendocrine dysfunction through inhibition of chromosomal derangements and hypercortisolism

Antidepression-related HPA-HPG alteration is gaining more attention in stress research on humans and animals with depression. Therefore, the search for therapeutic drugs such as Arjunolic acid (AA) might be a core value in the management of reproductive neuro-endocrine dysfuction in rats treated with FXT. In this context, this study aimed to determine the effects of AA on reproductive neuro-endocrine functions in fluoxetine (FXT)-induced HPA-HPG axis dysfunction in rats. The subjects were randomly divided into 6 groups with six (6) rats each after 14 days of acclimatization. Rats in group 1 received normal saline (10 mL/kg); groups 2 & 3 were respectively given AA (1.0 mg/100gm body weight) and AA (2.0 mg/100gm body weight), whereas rats in group 4 were given FXT (10 mg/kg/p.o./day), and groups 5 & 6 were respectively given a combination of FXT (10 mg/kg) + AA (1.0 mg/100g body weight) and of FXT (10 mg/kg) + AA (2.0 mg/100g body weight). The results revealed that FXT altered reproductive neuro-endocrine function as evidenced by increased corticosterone, tDFI, tCSA, and abnormal sperm morphology; with corresponding decreases in Kisspeptin, GnRH, LH, FSH, testosterone, HOST value, TP, Sialic acid, Johnson score, sperm count, motility, and viability. However, AA dose dependently significantly counteracted the FXT-elicited changes in corticosterone, tDFI, tCSA and abnormal sperm morphology as well as Kisspeptin, GnRH, LH, FSH, testosterone, HOST value, TP, Sialic acid, Johnson score, sperm count, motility, and viability; and improved the body and testicular weight in rats. In conclusion, AA attenuates fluoxetine-induced reproductive neuroendocrine dysfunction through inhibition of chromosomal derangements and hypercortisolism. However, co-administration of FXT with AA could be a better therapeutic option in the management of FXT-induced altered HPA-HPG-axis

Body mass index and blood pressure pattern of students in a Nigerian university

Purpose: Reports in Nigeria and other developing countries have indicated a rise in the prevalence of obesity among adults. In identifying at what age in our environment obesity starts becoming a problem, we measured the burden of overweight and obesity among young adults. Methods: Four hundred and sixty four undergraduate students, who were undergoing medical examination as part of admission process, were recruited. Their weight, height and blood pressure (BP) were measured and their body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The prevalence of obesity, overweight and under-nutrition among these students were determined according to international guidelines. Results: The prevalence of obesity (3.4%) and undernutrition (3.1%) among the students, were similar. Female students had higher prevalence of obesity (4.02%) and under-nutrition (3.1%) than the males. Overweight was found to be commoner in male subjects (26.78%) than in females (20.98%). The prevalence of hypertension was 3.4% in the study population and was commoner in males (5.9%) than in females (0.89%). Mean systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in males than females (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Obesity and under-nutrition are prevalent among the fresh undergraduate students. As part of the orientation programme for fresh undergraduate students in Nigerian Universities, nutrition education should be carried out. The need to always conduct blood pressure monitoring for all University students is also recommended. Keywords: Body mass index; Blood pressure; Obesity; University students; Nigeria

Changes in Some Testicular Biometric Parameters and Testicular Function in Cadmium Chloride Administered Wistar Rats

Introduction: Recently there has been an increased association between environmental factors and male infertility. Aims: In the present study, the effect of changes in testicular biometric parameters (weight and volume) and testicular function (Sperm count, morphology, testosterone level) in Cadmium chloride administered Wistar rats was studied. Methodology: Twenty male albino Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n=5). Group A (control) received rat chow and water, while Group B, C and D received 15mg/L, 20mg/L and 25mg/L of Cadmium chloride respectively for 6 weeks. Result: There was a significant (P=.05) and dose dependent decrease in testicular function parameters in the rats and a significant (P=.05) and positive correlation between the biometric parameters and testicular function. Conclusion: The findings showed that Cadmium chloride has a deleterious effect on testicular function and biometric parameters of the testes may be important in the assessment of testicular function

Comparative analysis of fasting blood glucose and salivary electrolytes concentrations among individuals with type II diabetes : a randomized controlled hospital based study

Salivary gland dysfunction is common in people with diabetes. This study aimed to compare the measurements of salivary electrolytes (SE); Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3- between diabetes and an age matched control group, and assess the relationship between fasting blood glucose (FBG) and salivary electrolytes, and salivary glucose (SG). Eighty-five human participants [diabetes group, n = 45 (23 males and 22 females) and control group, n = 40 (20 males and 20 females)] aged between 25 and 65years were tested. Saliva samples were taken between 7.00 am and 8.00 am after an overnight fast and SG and SE concentrations were analysed. Diabetes mellitus was defined using FBG ≥ 126 mg/dl. SG and SE concentrations were analysed using t-test and Pearson Correlation Coefficient tested the relationship between FBG and Salivary electrolytes and glucose. The participants were matched in their baseline demographic characteristics with a mean age of 49 years (standard deviation SD, 11 years), body mass index (25.7 kg/m2 (SD, 3.6). Half of them were males (50.6 %) and predominantly traders (30.6 %). However, the mean values for the salivary sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate electrolytes were significantly higher in the diabetes group compared with the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Of the salivary electrolytes, only the bicarbonate was significantly correlated with FBG (r = −0.594, p = 0.004) in female participants. This study found that people with diabetes have elevated salivary electrolytes which were not dependent on their age and gender. Although this study suggests some potential for saliva as an alternative in monitoring of diabetes mellitus, extensive research is required before we can reach any firm conclusion