Inhibition of neuroinflammation in BV2 microglia by the biflavonoid kolaviron is dependent on the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant protective mechanism

Kolaviron is a mixture of bioflavonoids found in the nut of the West African edible seed Garcinia kola, and it has been reported to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of kolaviron in neuroinflammation. The effects of kolaviron on the expression of nitric oxide/inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)/cyclooxygenase-2, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the pro-inflammatory cytokines were examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Molecular mechanisms of the effects of kolaviron on NF-B and Nrf2/ARE signalling pathways were analysed by immunoblotting, binding assay, and reporter assay. RNA interference was used to investigate the role of Nrf2 in the anti-inflammatory effect of kolaviron. Neuroprotective effect of kolaviron was assessed in a BV2 microglia/HT22 hippocampal neuron co-culture. Kolaviron inhibited the protein levels of NO/iNOS, PGE2/COX-2, cellular ROS and the proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated microglia. Further mechanistic studies showed that kolaviron inhibited neuroinflammation by inhibiting IB/NF-B signalling pathway in LPS-activated BV2 microglia. Kolaviron produced antioxidant effect in BV2 microglia by increasing HO-1 via the Nrf2/ antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. RNAi experiments revealed that Nrf2 is need for the anti-inflammatory effect of kolaviron. Kolaviron protected HT22 neurons from neuroinflammation-induced toxicity. Kolaviron inhibits neuroinflammation through Nrf2-dependent mechanisms. This compound may therefore be beneficial in neuroinflammation-related neurodegenerative disorders

The Effect of Honey and Vitamin C on the Response of Dogs to Anti-Rabies Vaccination

The effects of oral administration of local honey and Vitamin C on rabies antibody titre levels and packed cell volume (PCV) in dogs vaccinated with Anti-rabies vaccine obtained from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, Nigeria, were assessed. The dogs were bled on day 0 prior to vaccination, and after vaccination were bled on days 3, 7 and subsequentlyweekly for eleven weeks. Statistical analysis showed a consistently higher Group Mean Titre (GMT) value in the antibody levels, using  haemagglutination and heamaglutination inhibition method, and PCV of the vaccinated animals given either local honey or vitamin C. Local honey and vitamin C have been shown from the studies to have immuno-potentiating effects. These products are also readily available in Nigeria. This procedure could enhance the response to ARV and thus reduce the rabies vaccinationbreaks frequently reported. The administration of these substances could also enhance the PCV level

Congenital Dysgenesis (Brachiomelia) of the Forearm Amongst West African Dwarf Triplet Kids in Nigeria: A Case Report

Unilateral and bilateral congenital dysgenesis (brachiomelia) of the forarm in three kid goats is reported. The animals were born with a miniature forearm/antebrachium, but the shoulder, arm and manus were apparently unaffected. Radiological examination revealed a reduced and bent morphology of the forearm