A comparative study on the rate of bone decalcification at varying temperatures, fluid type and fluid concentrations

This study evaluates the rate of bone decalcification at varying temperatures, decalcification fluid and fluid concentrations. A decalcification methodology was adopted using modern household microwave oven to accelerate the decalcification rate of rabbit compact bone sample. Bone biopsy was obtained from a rabbit limb and fixed immediately for 24hrs in 10% formalin. Traditional decalcification was carried out at room temperature (RT) with 5% Jenkins fluid (JK) and 5% Gooding and Stewart (GS) fluid as controls. Microwave oven decalcification with 5% JK and 7% JK, as well as 5% GS and 10% GS served as the tests at 300C, 400C and 500C in microwave oven. Results showed that at 300C, 5%-GS and 10%-GS as well as 5%-JK and 7%-JK presented a decalcifying time of 11hrs:30mins and 10hrs:30mins as well as 15hrs and 13hrs respectively. At 400C, a decalcifying time of 8hrs, 6hrs:30mins, 10hrs:30mins and 12hrs were recorded for the respective concentrations of decalcifying fluid. Also, at 500C, the decalcifying times were 6hrs, 5hrs, and 9hrs:30mins and 8hrs respectively. The observed differences between RT and microwave oven decalcification was significant while the rate between the two decalcifying fluid were not. Our findings further encourage the use of microwave oven for bone decalcification.Key Words: Bone, Decalcification rate, fluid concentration, Temperatur

Evaluation of interleukin 8 and interleukin 10 cytokines in liquid based cervical cytology samples

Introduction: inflammatory cytokines have been associated with various cancers, including cervical cancers. Interpreting cytokine expression in liquid based cervical samples is quite challenging. This study is aimed at evaluating the levels of interleukin 8 and 10 in liquid based cervical samples. Methods: this is a descriptive analytical study carried out on eighty five (85) subjects aged between 23 and 68 years. Cervical samples were collected in liquid based medium and smears later examined after staining with Papanicolaou technique. These were categorized into low grade intra-epithelial lesion/malignancy, high grade intraepithelial lesion/malignancy according to the degree of dyskaryosis. Concentrations of interleukin 8 and interleukin 10 in the samples were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: the mean age, standard deviation (SD) of the study subjects were 40.6 (7.8) years. A total number of 79 females (92.9%) were negative for intra-epithelial lesion/malignancy (NILM), while 4 (4.71%) and 2 (2.35%) were positive for low grade intra-epithelial lesion/malignancy (LILM) and high grade intra-epithelial lesion (HILM) respectively. While mean levels of interleukin 8 increased with the degree of malignancy, (107.27 ± 11.88pg/ml) in LILM, (114.80 ± 2.12pg/ml) in HILM when compared with NILM (88.39 ± 18.06pg/ml), (f = 0.700, p = 0.018); the mean levels of interleukin 10 was comparable between these groups (p ≥ 0.05). Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed a negative association between interleukin 8 and interleukin 10 (r = -1.999, p = 0.000) in LILM. Conclusion: interleukin 8 cytokines in cervical cancer is associated with the degree of malignancy. Possible anti-inflammatory effect of interleukin 10 was not observed

Histomorphological effects of the oil extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum seed on benign prostatic hyperplasia induced by exogenous testosterone and estradiol in adult Wistar rats

benefits due to its very potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Despite its widespread use, it has not been validated for use in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study was conducted to examine histomorphological effects of SJ seed on BPH that usually causes bladder outlet obstruction. Materials and Methods: There were a total of six groups of animals each comprising 5 adult male rats. Apart from group 1 (normal control), in the remaining five groups, BPH was induced. Group 2 (negative control) was sacrificed immediately after BPH induction; groups 3 and 4 received the extract at 300 and 600 mg/kg respectively by gavages for thirty days; group 5 received finasteride (0.1 mg/kg) for thirty days and group 6 received the extract (600 mg/kg) simultaneously with the steroid administration for thirty days. The animals’ were weighed before the experiment and subsequently every three days until the end of the study. Results: The extract caused marked decrease in prostate weight of rats with BPH with histo-morphology of the tissue showing degenerated stromal and epithelial cells with few epithelial involutions of glandular tissue. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) level as well as testosterone level significantly (

Gastroprotective Effects of the Aqueous Seed Extract of Entada gigas (Linn.) Fawc. and Rendle (Fabaceae) in Ulcer Models in Rats

Background: The extract of Entada gigas Linn. (Fabaceae) is used for the treatment of ulcer in Nigerian local medicine. Objectives: This study investigated the gastroprotective effects of the aqueous seed extract of E. gigas on gastric ulcers in rats. Methodology: The ethanol- (EIU), pylorus ligation- (PLIU) and cold restraint stress (CRSIU)-induced ulcer models were used. The aqueous seed extract was administered at doses of 50-400 mg/kg p.o. Estimations of gastric content volume, pH and titratable acidity in PLIU test and ulcer score/index in all models were done. Results: In the EIU test, E. gigas produced significant reduction (p < 0.05) in ulcer scores, with peak effect elicited at 100 mg/kg (2.30 ± 0.99; 87.22% inhibition), compared with control (10.80 ± 0.80). This effect was comparable to that of misoprostol (3.00 ± 1.31; 83.33% inhibition). In the PLIU test, the extract caused significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the ulcer score compared with control (6.30 ± 0.70). Peak effect was elicited at the dose of 200 mg/kg (ulcer score 2.90 ± 0.83; 63.17%). This effect was comparable to that of cimetidine (2.60 ± 0.93; 66.98%). Also, the extract at 50 and 200 mg/kg, and cimetidine 100 mg/kg (0.24 ± 0.07, 1.06 ± 0.22 and 1.02 ± 0.16 mL/4 h, respectively) significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the volume of gastric content relative to control (2.32 ± 0.33 mL/4 h). In the CRSIU test, E. gigas caused significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the ulcer score, with the greatest effect produced at the dose of 50 mg/kg (0.80 ± 0.49; 92.38% inhibition), relative to control (4.20 ± 0.64). This effect was comparable to that of misoprostol (1.40 ± 0.60; 80% inhibition). Conclusion: The aqueous seed extract of E. gigas possess significant antiulcer activity mediated via cytoprotective and anti-secretory mechanisms. Keywords: Entada gigas, Fabaceae, ulcer, gastroprotective effect, cytoprotective, anti-secretory

Sub-Chronic Toxicity of the Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Telfairia occidentalis Hook. f. (Cucurbitaceae) in Male Rats

Background: Due to its nutritional and medicinal values, the leaf of Telfairia occidentalis Hook f. (Cucurbitaceae) is consumed in different parts of Nigeria. Acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis were investigated in this study. Methods: Sixty-four male rats were randomized into four different groups of 16 animals each and were separately administered 80, 400 and 2000 mg/kg T. occidentalis orally (p.o.) for 60 days. Animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analyses. Vital organs were harvested and evaluated for in vivo antioxidants and histopathological changes. Results: A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in weight of the testes, compared to the control group, was observed in the group treated with 2000 mg/kg extract. No significant change was observed in the weight of other vital organs relative to the control group. There were significant (p < 0.01) increases in sperm motility and count in the group administered 80 mg/kg extract and significant (p < 0.001) reductions in both parameters at 2000 mg/kg. There were significant increases in the levels of hemoglobin and packed cell volume at 80 and 2000 mg/kg of the extract. In respect of liver function parameters, significant reductions in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels at doses of 400 and 2000 mg/kg relative to control were observed. Compared to control, the extract significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the level of total cholesterol (400 mg/kg) and caused a significant increase in the level of high-density lipoprotein (80, 400 and 2000 mg/kg). Significant (p < 0.05) increase in the level of malondialdehyde, decrease in superoxide dismutase level and histopathological abnormalities were observed in the testes at 2000 mg/kg. Upon cessation of treatment with T. occidentalis for 30 days, the observed effects were reversed. Conclusions: The findings showed that the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis is relatively non-toxic on acute and sub-chronic exposures at low to moderate doses, with the potential to elicit anti-anemic effects, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, and enhance antioxidant status in the brain and liver. Although possibly beneficial at low to moderate doses, the extract could be harmful to the testes with prolonged oral exposure at high dose