The role of an aggressive factor in peptic ulcer disease (pud)

The stomach is the expanded part of the digestive tract between the esophagus and the small intestine. It acts as a reservoir and has chief function in enzymatic digestion. Several types of glands provide different types of secretions in the alimentary tract most of which act as lubricant and to protect the stomach mucosa from excoriation.The pathophysiology of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is often described as an imbalance between aggressive factors and mucosal protective mechanisms. Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative organism that has been identified as a potential causative agent in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease, which is diagnosed by invasive or non-invasivemethods. Three classes of drugs have been shown to have a direct effect on Helicobacter pylori: antibiotics, bismuth salts, and proton pump inhibitors. Because Helicobacter pylori is difficult to eradicate, most treatment regimes combine agents from two or even all three of these cases. In all of them, patients with active peptic disease shouldalso receive a total of 6 weeks of acid suppression with an H2-receptor antagonist. The discovery of Helicobacter pylori as a gastrointestinal pathogen has had a profound effect on current concepts of the pathogenesis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Key words: peptic ulcer disease, Helicobacter pylori, H2-receptor antagonist, pathophysiolog

Effects of Senna occidentalis leaf supplement on blood glucose level, liver enzymes and total protein in alloxan-induced diabetic wistar rats

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common non communicable diseases around the world and is responsible for many deaths resulting from some of its serious complications. Senna occidentalis Linn. is extensively being used in folklore medicine to cure and/or manage many disease conditions, although its adequate validation as therapeutic (specifically anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective) effects has not been established. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of Senna occidentalis leaf supplement on blood glucose level, liver enzymes and total protein in alloxan-induced diabetic wistar rats. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg). Thereafter the rats were fed with Senna occidentalis leaf supplement at doses of 12.5%, 25% and 50% .Also Glibenclamide was used as a standard drug (2 mg/kg ) as positive control and diabetic control received distilled water as negative control. Blood glucose levels were measured at day 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16. The liver enzymes and total protein were also determined using the serum and histopathological studies of the pancreas and liver were conducted. Quantitative phytochemical screening revealed that the supplement has high amount of phytoconstitutuents like total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and alkaloids, which have a percentage composition of 20%, 10.80%, 15%, 0.55% and 7.20%, respectively. Blood glucose levels of all animals treated with the supplement were reduced significantly (p<0.05) by about 82.13%, 88.36 and 81.78% respectively when compared with that of the untreated diabetic control group. There was also an increase in the total protein (p< 0.05) to 90.98 ± 6.02, 73.72 ± 3.02 and 92.23 ± 4.01, respectively in comparison to that of the untreated diabetic group having 69.04 ± 3.59; and hepatotoxicity due to the observed increase in the activities of all the liver enzymes as well as hepatocellular necrosis, sinusoidal congestion and hemorrhage as revealed in the histopathological studies of the liver. This study shows that S. occidentalis leaf supplement has potent hypoglycemic effect due to its high content of active principles that possess strong and potent insulinomimetic and β-cell regenerating potential as depicted by the histopathological studies of the pancreatic tissue, even though, some cytotoxic agents like the cytotoxic saponins may be present in the supplement which is capable of causing damage to both pancreas and liver . These findings prove its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes but with caution due to its probable potential to induce hepatotoxicity.Keywords: Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Hepatotoxicity, Phytoconstitutuents, Insulinomimetic, Senna occidentali

Antidiabetic effect of fermented Pennisetum glaucum (millet) supplement in alloxan induced hyperglycemic wistar rats

Diabetes mellitus is a debilitating disease that is characterized clinically by hyperglycemia due to chronic and/or relative insulin insufficiency. The disease is associated with disturbance in lipid and protein metabolism. Pennisetum glaucum (PG) has been recommended for several therapeutic purposes as it has been shown to have high amount of magnesium which helps to increase the levels of adiponectin hormone but the hypoglycemic effect of millet as a supplement is yet to be fully elucidated. Therefore this research was designed to determine the effect of Pennisetum glaucum supplement on blood glucose level and serum lipid profile. Diabetes mellitus was induced by single intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of alloxan dissolved in 0.1ml fresh cold citrate buffer pH 4.5 at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight, after which the rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. Group 1 normoglycemic, Group 2 Diabetic untreated, Group 3 Diabetic treated with 1 mg/kg of Glibenclamide (GB). Group 4 Diabetic treated with 33%w/v P.G. supplement, Group 5 Diabetic treated with 66% P.G. supplement. When compared with the diabetic control, the study revealed a significant decrease (p>0.05) in blood glucose level at both 33%w/v and 66% w/v P.G. supplementation. It also showed that P.G. at both 33% and 66% supplement was able to lower Triglycerides and LDL serum levels as well increase HDL serum levels although not statistically significant, but significantly restored HDL/Cholesterol and Triglycerides/HDL ratios to normal physiological range. Pennisetum glaucum supplementation showed high hypoglycemic effect and also hypolipidemic property in alloxan induced hyperglycemic wistar rats.Keywords: Pennisetum glaucum, hypolipidemia, hyperglycemi

Undergraduate students' understanding of physiology subject, opinions and perception: the case of Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria

Summary: Human Physiology courses are compulsory in medical education but many students encounter challenges in studying them. This study investigates understandings, opinions and perceptions of students about physiology subject and the challenges they encounter in their study. Two hundred and eighty (280) students were interviewed using structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics 22. The mean age of the students was 22.8 ± 4.1 years. Males constituted 174(62.1%), while females were 106 (37.9%). Majority of the respondents were in 300 level of study in the university 178(63.6%) as of the time of conducting this research. Most of the participants 257(91.8%) claimed to have good to excellent understanding of the physiology subjects. One hundred and nine (39.1%) alleged that academic staff had unfriendly attitude like rushing lectures, commencing lectures late and fixing tests and other continuous assessment close to examinations, and that lecturers have poor communication/ teaching skills. Less than one-third (28.7%) believed that the subjects have bulky course contents, and 56(20.1%) were of the opinion that the students' lack of seriousness or interest is among the reasons for failing physiology courses. On binary logistic regression, being of female sex, and in 300 level of study emerged as the independent predictors of the students' perception of physiology. Improving the pedagogy 102(36.4%), good attitude of staff towards students and teaching 73(26.1%), improving infrastructure and equipment 35(12.5%); and instituting guidance and counseling unit for both staff and student 31(11.1%) were the ways suggested by the students for improving performance in physiology subject. Most of the students had poor and negative perception about physiology subjects (83.2%). Guidance and counseling for students, through the level coordinators and the mentor-mentee program should be strengthened in all departments. Basic infrastructure and equipment, and teaching techniques should also be upgraded.Keywords: Undergraduate students, Understanding of Physiology Subject, Opinions, Perceptions, Kano-Nigeri

Effects of aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum on blood glucose levels of streptozocininduced diabetic wistar rats

The hypoglycemic effects of aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratisimum was investigated in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. A single administration of the extract at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight was done. The aqueous extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg significantly lowered blood glucose level (

Modulatory role of vitamins A and E on memory and motor functions of cyanide induced neurotoxicity in adult swiss mice

Summary: Cyanide is a potent neurotoxic substance that can initiate series of intracellular reactions leading to oxidative stress. To evaluate effect of sublethal administration of potassium cyanide (KCN) on sensorimotor functions and long term visuo-spatial learning and memory in adult Swiss mice and possible ameliorative role of vitamins A and E. These vitamins A and E (dietary) are antioxidants that have scavenging properties against free radicals and reactive oxygen species as a result of oxidative stress induced by cyanide. Thirty-five mice weighing between 18-22 g were used for the study. The animals were randomly divided into five groups (n = 7) and exposed to sublethal concentration of potassium cyanide (10% LD50; 1.5 mg/kg). KCN was administered orally while vitamin A (25 mg/kg) and vitamin E (50 mg/kg) were administered intra-peritoneal (IP) once daily for 28 days. Potassium cyanide (KCN) was first administered and after 10 minutes intervals, followed by vitamin A and then E after 5 minutes, vitamin E were administered across the different treatment groups. Mice were examined for signs of toxicity. Vitamins pre-treatment ameliorated toxic signs. In the dynamics of wire grid, coat hanger and stationary beam test, the latency to fall in weeks 2 and 4 were statistically significant. In acquisition and retention, using elevated plus maze (EPM), KCN treated group recorded high transfer latencies in seconds (50.40±1.72 secs) and (57.60±0.93 secs) as compared to group IV (29.40±0.68 secs; 5.60±0.60 secs). Cyanide is a neurotoxin that affects motor functions with progressive decline in motor strength and coordination. KCN affects acquisition and retention memory while pre-treatment with antioxidant vitamins A and E ameliorated these deficits.Keywords: Cyanide; Neurotoxicity; Memory; Motor functionNiger. J. Physiol. Sci. 33(December 2018) 183-18

Resveratrol protects rabbits against cholesterol diet- induced hyperlipidaemia

The excessive consumption of high cholesterol diet has been associated with an increased incidence of lipidaemia. Lipidaemia is enhanced by formation of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and hyperglycaemia. The aim of these experiments was to investigate the protective effect of resveratrol co-administered with cholesterol diet induced hyperlipidaemia in rabbits. Thirty rabbits divided into six groups of five animal (group= 5) each: group 1 = normal control, group 2 = cholesterol diet/high fat diet group only (HFD), group 3 = resveratrol 200 mg/kg (R200), group 4 = resveratrol 400 mg/kg (R400), group 5 = HFD + R200 and group 6 = HFD + R400. The normal group was fed with standard animal feeds only; while the HFD groups were fed with standard animal feeds + cholesterol diet (10% Groundnut oil, 20% Groundnut mill and 2% cholesterol). Resveratrol-treated rabbits received resveratrol suspended in 10 g/L carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and the control group received the vehicle only, CMC. The preparations were administered for 8 weeks of experimental protocol. At the end of the study period, the animals were sacrificed. Blood and plasma samples were collected. Serum evaluation of lipid profile such as total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (Tg), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDP-c) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were also assessed. The results obtained show significant (P < 0.05) decrease in total cholesterol (TC), Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDP-c), total triacylglycerol and an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) in resveratrol treated groups compared to HFD group only. In conclusion, the findings indicated that Resveratrol may contain polar products able to lower plasma lipid concentrations and might be beneficial in treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.Keywords: Cholesterol diet, Lipidaemia, Rabbit; Resveratrol, LDL-c, HDL-c, TC, T

Effects of fermented soya bean supplements on lipid profile and oxidative stress biomarkers in high fat diet-induced Type 2 diabetes mellitus in rabbits

Background: High fat diets are known to increase body weight and fat mass, induce alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, leading to insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fermented soya bean supplements on lipid profile and oxidative stress biomarkers in high fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in rabbits.Methods: Twenty rabbits weighing between 1kg – 2kg were used for the study. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced by feeding the animals with high fat diet (2% cholesterol, 20% groundnut meal, 10% groundnut oil) for eight weeks. Rabbits having fasting blood glucose levels of 7.2 mmol/L (130mg/dL) and above after the induction period were selected for the study. The animals were grouped into four groups of five rabbits each: Group 1 (diabetic control), received distilled water ad libitum for six weeks; groups 2, 3 and 4 (diabetic rabbits) were fed with 12.5%, 25% and 50% fermented soya bean supplements respectively for six weeks. Thereafter, the rabbits were sacrificed and blood samples obtained for analyses. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results: There was a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in triglyceride and LDL concentrations in the group fed 50% fermented soya bean supplements and a significant increase in HDL levels (p ≤ 0.05) in all the fermented soya bean supplemented groups when compared with the diabetic control group. The result also showed a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in malondialdehyde concentration in all the treated groups when compared with the control group. Superoxide dismutase was significantly decreased in the group fed 12.5% and 25% fermented soya bean supplements while catalase was significantly decreased in the group fed 12.5% fermented soya bean supplement when compared with the control group.Conclusion: Fermented soya bean supplements decreased lipid profile and improved antioxidant activities in diabetic rabbits and may prove beneficial in the management of hyperlipidaemia and oxidative stress in diabetic patients.Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, fermented soya beans, high fat diet, hyperlipidaemia, lipid profile, oxidative stress biomarker

Effect of Taurine on Chronic Restraint Stress Induced Behavioural Deficits in Rodents

Stress is an aversive stimulus capable of altering physiological homeostasis and the ability to cope with such stressful stimuli is a crucial determinant of health and disease. Taurine (2-aminoethanesulphonic acid) constitutes about 0.1 % of body weight, it is a sulphur-containing amino acid present in virtually all cells throughout the animal kingdom. It is an important ingredient used in energy drinks. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of taurine in preventing the restraint stress induced memory deficit in passive avoidance test, spatial learning, motor coordination and exploratory behaviour. Three different doses of taurine were administered (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) to rodents subjected to chronic restraint stress (6 h/day for 21 days). The treatments were administered once daily by oral gavage. Twenty four Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six rats each also; twenty four mice were divided in to four groups of six mice each. Learning and memory in the chronic restraint-stressed Wistar rats was assessed using step down passive avoidance test, learning and memory in mice was assessed using elevated plus maze for memory, exploratory activity was assessed using hole board apparatus and motor coordination in mice was assessed using beam walk assay method. In the present study it was observed that taurine improved learning and short-time memory in chronic restraint-stressed rodents it also improved motor coordination and increased exploratory behaviour in mice. Keywords: stress, taurine, deficit, exploratory, oral gavage, memor

Preliminary antidiarrhoeal activity of methanolic extracts of Securinega virosa (Euphorbiaceae)

Securinega virosa is used as remedy for diarrhoea in tropical Africa, but has not been investigated for its antidiarrhoeal activity. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the methanolic extracts of theleaves, stem bark and root bark for antidirrhoeal activity, using castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model in mice. The effects of these extracts on perfused isolated rabbit jejunum were also evaluated. Themethanolic leaves extract (8 x 10-5 – 1.6 x 10-3 mgml-1) produced a dose-dependent relaxation of the rabbit jejunum, while the methanolic stem bark and root bark extracts (2 x 10-5 – 3.2 x 10-3 mgml-1)produced contraction of the tissue. The methanolic root bark extract produced a dose-dependent protection against the castor oil- induced diarrhoea with the highest protection (100%), obtained at 100mgkg-1 comparable to that of loperamide (5 mgkg-1), the standard agent. The leaves extract also protected the mice but was not dose-dependent. The highest protection (60%) was obtained at thelowest dose (50 mgkg-1). The stem bark extract did not protect the animal against diarrhoea. The preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed that the three extracts contained similar phytochemicalconstituents which include alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. However, only the leaves extract contained anthraquinone glycosides. The acute toxicity test revealed the medianlethal dose (LD50) values for the leaves, stem bark and root bark extracts to be 1265, 288.5 and 774.6 mgkg-1 respectively. This suggests that the stem bark extract is relatively the most toxic. These results obtained revealed that the leaves and root bark extracts possess pharmacological activity against diarrhoea and may possibly explain the use of the plant in traditional medicine