The relationship between serum cortisol, adrenaline, blood glucose and lipid profile of undergraduate students under examination stress.

Background: Stress is an extremely adaptive phenomenon in human beings and cortisol is a known stress hormone. Examination has been described as a naturalistic stressor capable of affecting human health.Objectives: To estimate the relationship between serum cortisol, adrenaline, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and lipid profile during examination stress.Methods: Two hundred and eight (208) apparently-healthy undergraduate students (aged, 24 ± 6 years) were involved in the study. Exactly 5 mls of venous blood was collected from each subject 1-3 hours before a major examination. A second assessment was done on the same students 3-4 weeks before any examination (control samples). Cortisol and adrenaline were assayed using ELISA techniques, FBG was assayed using enzymatic method while lipid parameters were assayed using standard enzymatic- spectrophotometric methods.Results: There was statistically significant increase in serum cortisol, adrenaline, Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels in students under examination stress compared to the non examination period (p=0.001, 0.013, 0.0001, 0.0001 and 0.0001, respectively). FBG showed no significant increase. There was also significant positive correlation (r=0.297, p=0.032) between serum cortisol and TC/HDL ratio (cardiac risk factor) before examination stress but not during the stress period.Conclusions: Significant positive correlation was observed between cortisol and TC/HDL ratio before examination stress.Key words: academic examination, stressors, cortisol, lipid profil

The role of gender and secreted phosphoprotein 1 in early neutrophil recruitment after silica exposure in mice

Occupational exposure to silica remains a major public health problem in both the US and other industrialized nations. We previously showed that silica-exposed female mice recruit greater numbers of inflammatory cells, express less secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) and are protected against the development of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) compared to males at 14 days post-treatment. We therefore hypothesize that estrogen supplementation will protect male mice against silica-induced PF. Inflammation is implicated in the early pathogenesis of silicosis and animal models of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, intercellular adhesion molecule 1(ICAM-1), an important receptor in neutrophil recruitment, is induced after 24 h, and neutrophils are the predominant inflammatory cell type recruited into the lungs after 3 days of silica exposure in mice, before any overt fibrosis is observed. The roles of gender and SPP1 in silica-induced neutrophil recruitment at pre-fibrotic time points are unknown. We further hypothesize that female mice recruit greater numbers of neutrophils at pre-fibrotic time points, and that SPP1 regulation of ICAM-1 mediates gender-specific differences in neutrophil recruitment to the lungs following exposure to crystalline silica. We show here that estrogen-treated male mice recruit greater numbers of inflammatory cells, which are predominantly macrophages, express lower levels of SPP1, and are partially protected against the development of silica-induced PF. We also show that silica-exposed female mice recruit greater numbers of neutrophils, have more extensive tissue injury and express less SPP1 and more ICAM-1 mRNA compared to exposed males at 3 days post-treatment. Interestingly, SPP1 deficiency does not influence neutrophil recruitment and lung tissue injury and upregulates ICAM-1 mRNA expression at 3 days post-silica exposure. We therefore suggest that the estrogen-mediated regulation of SPP1 may play a role in the gender-specific differences in silica-induced PF in mice. In addition, SPP1-mediated regulation of ICAM-1 does not account for the gender-specific differences in neutrophil recruitment into the lungs at pre-fibrotic time points. This study broadens the knowledge of silicosis, may provide insight into possible therapeutic measures to slow the progression of or cure silicosis and contributes to public health strategies and reduces the global burden of silicosis

Potential haematopoietic properties of crude methanolic seed extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla in Wistar rats

Numerous medicinal properties have been attributed to the seeds of Pentaclethra macrophylla (P. macrophylla) whereas its haematological properties have received little attention. This study was designed to evaluate the haematopoietic effects of crude methanolic seed extract of P. macrophylla in wistar rats. Thirty Wistar rats in five groups, labeled A to E were acclimatized for two weeks and used for this study. Groups A to D were administered orally with graded-doses of crude methanolic extract of P. macrophylla seeds (100, 200, 300 and 400) mg/kg body weight respectively for 28 days whereas Group E served as control. Blood sample was collected and haematological parameters were determined. Extracts of P. macrophylla significantly (p<0.05) increased the Hb, Hct, RBC and TWBC in a dose-dependent pattern in the treated groups compared to the control. The platelet count was however decreased in the treated groups compared with the control, although not in a dose-dependent pattern, with Group D having the least count (p<0.05). Thin blood films of the treated groups revealed normocytic and normochromic red blood cells and relative lymphocytosis. Administration of crude methanolic seed extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla demonstrated dosage-dependent significant increase in some haematological variables, while decreasing platelet count. This study suggests that the seed extract may possess haematopoietic, antimicrobial and immunity boosting potentials, and could be developed for future clinical use in managing blood-related conditions.Keywords: Graded-doses; Oral administration; Pentaclethra macrophyll

Ahaptoglobinaemia in a Nigerian cohort

Summary: Ahaptoglobinaemia have been indicated in blacks from West Africa. Owing to the clinical and biologic importance of haptoglobin (hpt), this work explores the situation in a Nigerian cohort since there are no published values of haptoglobin levels of individuals in this locality. The study was aimed at determining the amount of haptoglobin in the blood of normal healthy Nigerians. Haptoglobin was quantitatively estimated in one hundred and fifty-two apparently healthy individuals using highly sensitive immunoassay technology. Blood grouping and haemoglobin genotype were assayed for all subjects to know if they influence haptoglobin levels. The association between haptoglobin and blood group was also established. Serum levels of haptoglobin among all subjects analyzed revealed a marked decrease in their haptoglobin levels when compared to other reference intervals. A further association between haptoglobin and gender did not reveal a statistical significant relationship (p>0.05). However, there was a significant different when haptoglobin levels of different blood groups and haemoglobin genotype when compared. Our data suggest that serum levels of haptoglobin are significantly lower in healthy Nigerians. The lower limit was remarkably lower than the internationally acceptable Caucasian reference range suggesting a clear necessity for establishing reference African values.Keywords: Haptoglobin, Nigeria, Ahaptoglobinaemia, reference interva

The Effect Of Potassium Bromate On Some Haematological Parameters Of Wistar Rats

Summary: Potassium bromate used widely in foods has been associated with various complications in humans. However there is paucity of literature on adverse effects on haematological parameters. Thus we decided tocarry out an experimental study to determine the effects of potassium bromate on some blood indices using Wister rats. Twenty (20) male Wister rats aged 2-3 months obtained from the department of VeterinaryMedicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka were acclimatized for two weeks. They were divided into five groups and fed with graded doses of potassium bromate solution for six weeks. One of the groups served as the control.Pre and post administration blood samples were collected and analyzed the same day using standard methods. The results revealed significant decrease in the platelet count when compared with the controls (

The Effect of Crude Methanolic Leaf Extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum on Some Haematological Parameters in Wistar Rats 1

Abstract: Bryophyllum pinnatum (B. pinnatum) is a perennial herb growing widely and used in folkloric medicine. Much research work has not been carried out on its effect on hematological parameters. We therefore decided to investigate the effect of crude methanolic leaf extract of B. pinnatum on some hematological parameters in Wistar rats. Twenty (20) male Wistar rats aged 2 to 3 months obtained from the Animal House of College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus were acclimatized for two weeks. They were divided into five groups labeled A to E. Groups A to D were orally fed with graded doses of the crude leaf extract (100, 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight respectively) once daily for 28days in lower concentrations compared to an oral LD 50 of 800 mg/kg body weight. Group E served as control without receiving the extract. On Day 29 about 2.5mL of blood sample were collected from each rat through the median canthus into 9 /L when compared with control E = 4.0±1.0×10 9 /L. The platelet count were decreased in all the treated groups but was significant only in group A = 135±13×10 9 /L when compared with control E = 225±20×10 9 /L (p<0.05). The blood film examination revealed normocytic and normochromic red blood cells. This result pattern suggests that crude methanolic leaf extract of B. pinnatum may have properties that increase the Hb, PCV and TWBC, while decreasing the platelets, hence care should be taken while consuming such extracts to avoid haematological disturbances such as thrombocytopaenia. Also, constant monitoring the hematological parameters should be ensured in subjects taking such medicinal herbs for whatever purposes

Potential haematopoietic properties of crude methanolic seed extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla in Wistar rats.

Numerous medicinal properties have been attributed to the seeds of Pentaclethra macrophylla (P. macrophylla) whereas its haematological properties have received little attention. This study was designed to evaluate the haematopoietic effects of crude methanolic seed extract of P. macrophylla in wistar rats. Thirty Wistar rats in five groups, labeled A to E were acclimatized for two weeks and used for this study. Groups A to D were administered orally with graded-doses of crude methanolic extract of P. macrophylla seeds (100, 200, 300 and 400) mg/kg body weight respectively for 28 days whereas Group E served as control. Blood sample was collected and haematological parameters were determined. Extracts of P. macrophylla significantly (p<0.05) increased the Hb, Hct, RBC and TWBC in a dose-dependent pattern in the treated groups compared to the control. The platelet count was however decreased in the treated groups compared with the control, although not in a dose-dependent pattern, with Group D having the least count (p<0.05). Thin blood films of the treated groups revealed normocytic and normochromic red blood cells and relative lymphocytosis. Administration of crude methanolic seed extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla demonstrated dosage-dependent significant increase in some haematological variables, while decreasing platelet count. This study suggests that the seed extract may possess haematopoietic, antimicrobial and immunity boosting potentials, and could be developed for future clinical use in managing blood-related conditions

Virtually prepared: designing remote environmental health practicum experiences

The push for virtual education modes continues to grow and develop following unprecedented acceleration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Environmental and occupational health education echoes that demand, where programs are seeing the focus expand from lab-based bench work to include greater practice emphasis in areas such as environmental health equity, environmental justice, environmental policy, and environmental health literacy. Part of the educational foundation for Environmental and Occupational Health MPH programs includes a practicum designed to provide students with “real-world” experience beyond classroom applications. Given the expected increased demand for virtual educational models from students and virtual employees from the professional sector, higher education programs that require practicum experiences must seek innovative approaches that meet both student and employer needs. The University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health is a practicum host site for local universities. Recently, faculty have sought to co-create virtual environmental health practicums in response to requests for these types of opportunities. This article expands upon work on “virtual” or “remote” practicum placements and builds upon best practices to contribute to continuing research in this area. The article also shares insight into creating additional virtual opportunities in the environmental health field. This work presents a case study of the development of a virtual student practicum, documents the processes and procedures followed to develop work grounded in best practices, and shares lessons learned and recommendations for developing future virtual practicums for public health students. The student and practicum host provide reflections on the practicum design and experience

EFFECTS OF STEM-BARK EXTRACT OF OKOUBAKA AUBREVILLIE ON SOME VISCERAL ORGANS OF WISTAR RATS

Background: Over the past two decades, there has been a tremendous increase in the use of herbal medicine; however, these herbs have not been properly evaluated to ascertain their effect on the body organs. Materials and Methods: Effects of stem bark extract of Okoubaka aubrevillie on some visceral organs were investigated in Wistar rats. For acute toxicity testing, Wistar rats (n=16), grouped into 4, (A-D) orally received graded doses of Okoubaka aubrevillie extract and deaths recorded within 24 hours. For sub-acute study, Wistar rats (n=20) grouped into 5, (A-E) orally received graded doses of Okoubaka aubrevillie extract for 31 days. Blood samples were collected from each rat through retro-orbital puncture for biochemical analysis. The liver, kidney and stomach were excised and processed for light microscopy. For toxin inhibition studies, Wistar rats (n=24) grouped into 6 (A-F), were used. Groups A-C and D-F orally received graded doses of Dichlorvos. Groups A-C further received Okoubaka aubrevillie extract while D-F received water and death records observed. Results: For acute toxicity testing, lethal dose (LD50) of 7500 mg/kg body weight was obtained from the inverse of the log-dose. Sub-acute studies revealed significantly elevated mean body weight in group A (210 ± 4.5 gram) compared to control (178 ± 5.0 gram), (

An overview of anti-diabetic plants used in Gabon: Pharmacology and Toxicology

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Ethnopharmacological relevance: The management of diabetes mellitus management in African communities, especially in Gabon, is not well established as more than 60% of population rely on traditional treatments as primary healthcare. The aim of this review was to collect and present the scientific evidence for the use of medicinal plants that are in currect by Gabonese traditional healers to manage diabetes or hyperglycaemia based here on the pharmacological and toxicological profiles of plants with anti-diabetic activity. There are presented in order to promote their therapeutic value, ensure a safer use by population and provide some bases for further study on high potential plants reviewed. Materials and methods: Ethnobotanical studies were sourced using databases such as Online Wiley library, Pubmed, Google Scholar, PROTA, books and unpublished data including Ph.D. and Master thesis, African and Asian journals. Keywords including ‘Diabetes’ ‘Gabon’ ‘Toxicity’ ‘Constituents’ ‘hyperglycaemia’ were used. Results: A total of 69 plants currently used in Gabon with potential anti-diabetic activity have been identified in the literature, all of which have been used in in vivo or in vitro studies. Most of the plants have been studied in human or animal models for their ability to reduce blood glucose, stimulate insulin secretion or inhibit carbohydrates enzymes. Active substances have been identified in 12 out of 69 plants outlined in this review, these include Allium cepa and Tabernanthe iboga. Only eight plants have their active substances tested for anti-diabetic activity and are suitables for further investigation. Toxicological data is scarce and is dose-related to the functional parameters of major organs such as kidney and liver. Conclusion: An in-depth understanding on the pharmacology and toxicology of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is lacking yet there is a great scope for new treatments. With further research, the use of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is important to ensure the safety of the diabetic patients in Gabon.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio