Assessment of perceived stress amongst primigravidae attending an ante natal clinic in Kano, Nigeria

Pregnancy is an important life event for the woman and is often accompanied by many positive changes and events in anticipation of motherhood; especially for primigravidae. However, the physical, physiological, psychological changes and socio-cultural events related to pregnancy qualify pregnancy as a potent stressor. Stress reactivity during pregnancy may increase the risk of spontaneous abortion, low birth weight and development of mental illness in the offspring. This risk may constitute a big burden in our society considering the high pregnancy and birth rate typical of our society; and such data including for primigravidae is very scanty. This study aims to assess perceived stress amongst primigravidae in our local environment and relate it to socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. We hypothesized, that primigravidae in our local environment will have significant perceived stress. A total of 120 primigravidae were recruited in a cross-sectional study in an antenatal clinic of an urban hospital in Kano city, northern Nigeria. Socio-demographic and clinical information was obtained during an interview and physical examination. Perceived stress was assessed using perceived stress score (PSS-10). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics version 20.0. The median age of the primigravidae was 20.0 (3) years and 93.3% of them fell within the age range of 16-25 years. Most were secondary school educated house wives living above the poverty line with a singleton pregnancy in the third trimester. The median PSS score of the participants was 13 (8), indicating that the primigravidae had low perceived stress. Majority (53.3%) of the participants had low perceived stress, while the rest had moderate perceived stress and none of them had severe perceived stress. Perceived stress score of the subjects was influenced by the presence or absence of twin pregnancy (Chi = 12.05, P = 0.002). The Perceived stress score was not associated with any of the socio-demographic or clinical characteristics (P > 0.05). It is concluded that the primigravidae generally had low perceived stress which was influenced by the presence or absence of twin pregnancy and not associated with the socio-demographic or clinical characteristics examined.Keywords: Perceived stress, primigravidae, pregnant women, maternal and child health, Kano, Nigeri

Protective effect of co-administration of vitamins C and E on reserpine-induced oxidative stress in mice

Background: Several studies have shown potential benefits of antioxidants in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) but none have combined vitamins C and E targeting the oxidative stress (OS).Aim: To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of co-administration of vitamins C + E or single vitamin, on parameters of reserpine-induced OS in mice.Methods: Twenty-five mice were randomly assigned into 5 groups.: Group I received only distilled water (control); other groups received reserpine 0.1 mg/kg intraperitoneally on alternate days. In addition, Group III received vitamin E 200 mg/kg/day orally; group IV, had vitamin C 250 mg/kg/day orally and group V, had both vitamins orally. All drugs were given concurrently for 28 days. The mice were humanely acrificed and brain homogenate made to assess for biomarkers of OS. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM and values at p < 0.05 were considered significant.Results: The significant increase in malondialdehyde concentrations observed in the Res group (42.2±0.28 Umol/L) compared to control (37.54±1.27 Umol/L), was ameliorated in all the vitamin-treated groups with significance in the Res+Vit C group (35.0±1.69 Umol/L) compared to the Res group (p=0.002). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased significantly (p=0.003) across the vitamin-treated groups (24.9±2.11 Umol/mg, 24.0±1.78 Umol/mg and 22.4±1.50 Umol/mg in the Res+Vit E, Res+Vit C and co-administered groups respectively) compared to control (14.3±1.65 Umol/mg), with non-significant increase in the Res group (20.6±1.42 Umol/mg); catalase activity increased significantly in the Res+Vit C (28.0±3.70 Umol/mg) and co-administered (30.2±2.22 Umol/mg) groups compared to controls (14.3±1.65 Umol/mg) and Res (20.6±1.42 Umol/mg) groups (p=0.000), with non-significant increase in the Res+Vit E group (17.6±0.68 Umol/mg). The highest GSH level was seen in the Res group (45.2±2.65 Umol/mgpr) and the lowest level seen in the Res+Vit E group (38.58 ± 1.78 Umol/mgpr) with no significant difference across all the groups (p=0.104).Conclusion: The co-administration of vitamins C and E fails to confer significant superior neuroprotection against reserpine-induced OS compared to single vitamin administration.Keywords: Co-administration, neuroprotective, oxidative, reserpine-induced, stres

Effect of aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa on lead-induced cerebral cortex toxicity in Long Evans rats

Lead (Pb) is a widespread toxic metal found in the environment with potential danger to human health. It is used in the manufacture of batteries, metal products, paints and other domestic substances. This study investigated the effect of aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa on leadinduced cerebral cortex toxicity in Long Evan’s rats. Twenty five Long Evans rats divided into five groups of five animals were used for the study. Group I received Distilled water, group II received aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa (1000mg/kg), group III received lead (60mg/kg), group IV received lead (60mg/kg) followed by aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa (1000mg/kg) and group V received lead (60mg/kg) followed by aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa (500mg/kg) via oral intubation. Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) was used to study anxiety-like behaviour. Activities on the elevated plus maze showed that there was no statistically significant decreased rate of anxiety across the groups (P>0.05). The histology of the cerebral cortex of long Evans rats in group IV that received Lead (60 mg/kg) followed by aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa (1000mg/kg) showed mild neuronal damage while the histology of group V animals that received lead (60mg/kg) followed by aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa (500mg/kg) showed severe neuronal damage. It can be concluded that aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa at high dose have more therapeutic effect than at low dose.Keywords: lead, Nigella sativa, elevated plus maze, cerebru

The effect of early administration of glucocorticoids on learning and spatial memory

Synthetic Glucocorticoids are commonly administered to early low-birth weight infants to prevent the onset of chronic lung disease. During this period, the brain is undergoing significant structural and functional changes and is therefore particularly vulnerable to external influences. It has been observed that steroids administered postnatally may have transient retarding effect on learning and memory functions, and that animal age and sex may modify such effects. This study aims to illustrate the effect of early administration of glucocorticoids on learning and spatial memory. Wistar rat pups were grouped into two (control and treatment) of six pups each. 0.5mg/kg of dexamethasone was administered to four day old pups for a period of three days. At 35 days the pups were subjected to spatial memory testing. Spatial memory was assessed using a Y- Maze. It was observed that the animals in the treatment group preferred to return to the start arm or explore the other arm. This is indicative of impaired spatial memory. Steroids administered postnatally may have transient retarding effect on learning and memory functions.Keywords: Glucocorticoids, learning, memory, brain, ra

Effect of ascorbic acid on behaviour of Wistar rats exposed to environmental heat stress

Introduction: The hot-dry season in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria is characterized by high ambient temperature and high relative humidity which imposes heat stress on the body resulting in enormous generation of free radicals and behavioural changes. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) on behavior of Wistar rats exposed to environmental in heat stress. Methods: Thirty Wistar rats weighing 140-160g were divided into 3 groups of 10 each. Group 1 served as control and was administered normal saline 1ml/kg orally, groups 2 exposed to environmental temperature of 38 ± 1 0C and group 3 were exposed to environmental temperature of 38 ± 1 0C and administered AA at 100mg/kg orally for 21 days. Behavioral activity in the open-field was assessed on days 1, 7, 14 and 21. Results: The results showed a significant increase in pellets count, urination and immobilization in the control and heat exposed group compared to AA treated on days 1 and 7. Rearing, grooming and ambulation were significantly decreased in AA treated group on day 1, 7 and 14. There was no significant behavioral change on the 21st day indicating habituation. Conclusion: It was concluded that ascorbic acid ameliorated some of the behavioral changes induced by environmental heat stress and therefore, individuals working in high temperature zones should be advised to be taking vitamin C supplements

Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Activity of Camel Milk on Poloxamer-Induced Hyperlipidemia in Rats

Background: Hyperlipidemia has been implicated as the major risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. The current hypothesis suggests oxidative stress as an underlying mechanism through which hyperlipidemia provoke degenerative diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the ameliorative and antioxidant effect of camel milk on poloxamer 407 (P407) induced hyperlipidemia in albino rats. Methods: Thirty male wistar rats were subdivided into six groups (Group 1-6) with each containing five animals (n=5). Group 1 served as normal control, while Groups 2-6 were induced with Poloxamer 407 intra peritoneally twice a week for three weeks. Group 2 served as hyperlipidemic untreated, group 3 was co-administered with atorvastatin tablet 20mg/kg orally and groups 4, 5 and 6 were co-administered with camel milk at a dose of 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg respectively via oral route. After three weeks, blood samples determination of Total cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride(TG), High Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Low Density Lipoprotein(LDL), Malondialdhyde (MDA), Catalase(CAT) Superoxide Dismutase(SOD) and Gluthatione Peroxidase(GPx) were carried out. Results: Total cholesterol was significantly (p< 0.05) decreased in group treated with camel milk at 1000mg/kg (174.68 ±46.92 mg/dl), treatment with camel milk doses 250mg/kg(63.57±6.34mg/dl), 500mg/kg (45.07±3.13mg/dl), 1000mg/kg (91.38±5.52mg/dl) significantly (p<0.05) reduced high triglyceride level induced by P407. Camel milk treated group at dose 250mg/kg showed significant increase in HDL (208.72±7.88 mg/dl), while camel milk treated groups 250mg/kg and 1000mg/kg showed significant decrease in LDL; (214.15±21.72mg/dl) and (114.75±42.83mg/dl) respectively. Camel milk significantly (p<0.05) increase in the level of SOD at 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg (9.25±0.51 U/ml and 11.04± 1.14 U/ml) respectively, however, there was no significant (p>0.05) effect on CAT. There was also no significant difference in MDA between all camel milk treated groups and the normal control group. Conclusion: These findings highlight the ameliorative potentials of camel milk in P407 induced hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress of albino rats

Sub-acute insulin therapy does not affect long-term visiospatial learning and memory in mice assessed using Barnes maze

Insulin is a common hypoglycaemic agent used to treat diabetes, but it has also been reported to exert other effects on the body including modulation cognition. Reported findings on insulin effect on learning and memory are scanty and often conflicting. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of sub-acute insulin therapy on visio-spatial learning and memory using Barnes maze. Twelve young mice of both sexes, weighing between 20 – 22 g, were divided into control and insulin-treated groups (n = 6). They were administered subcutaneously with deionized water (control) or insulin (10 I.U./kg/day) for seven days. During the last three days of treatments, the mice were subjected to two-day training and one-day probe trial of Barnes maze. Number of primary head searches on day 2 was reduced compared to day 1 for both the insulin-treated (4.17 ± 0.8 s and 11.45 ± 1.9 s) and control (10.0 ± 3.2 s and 19.95 ± 4.5 s) groups (P < 0.05), but the values obtained in the two groups did not differ (P > 0.05). Similarly, there was no difference between the insulin-treated and control groups in latency to locate the escape hole, time spent and number of head searches per quadrant. It was concluded that sub-acute insulin therapy did not affect long-term visio-spatial learning and memory in mice.Keywords: insulin, visio-spatial learning and memory, long-term memory, Barnes maze, mic

Combined effect of sodium valproate and ascorbic acid on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice

Epilepsy is one of the most frequent neurological afflictions characterized by excessive temporary neuronal discharges resulting in convulsion. The pathophysiology is still not fully understood. Even though oxidative stress has been implicated as one of the mechanisms, yet the management of convulsions do not take into cognizance the important role played by antioxidants. The aim of the study was to assess the combined effect of sodium valproate (conventional antiepileptic drug) and ascorbic acid (potent antioxidant) in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures. Thirty mice were divided into six groups of five each (n=5). Group 1 served as control and administered normal saline 1ml/kg, group 2 received sodium valproate 200mg/kg, groups 3 and 4 were administered ascorbic acid (vitamin C) 100mg/kg and 300mg/kg, groups 5 and 6 were administered ascorbic acid (vitamin C) 100mg/kg and 300mg/kg respectively, in combination with sodium valproate 200mg/kg, 15 and 30 minutes prior to intra-peritoneal injection of PTZ (65 mg/kg). Seizure latency and duration were determined. The results showed that ascorbic acid alone has no effect on the seizure parameters. Sodium valproate 200mg had protective effect on PTZ-induced seizures. Combination of 300 mg/kg ascorbic acid with 200 mg/kg sodium valproate had a significant (p<0.05) synergistic and marked protective effect, as indicated by increase in the latency of seizure and reduction in seizure duration as compared to the control. Anti-oxidant vitamin C is recommended as co-treatment with sodium valproate in the management of seizures.Keywords: Pentylenetetrazole, sodium valproate, ascorbic acid, seizure

Outcome of sub-acute insulin administration on long-term visuo-spatial and short-term working memory in mice

Background: In the past, insulin was considered a peripheral hormone, unable to affect the central nervous system. Now, it is well established that insulin occurs in the brain where it exerts regulatory and trophic effects. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of sub-acute insulin administration on long-term visuo-spatial and short-term working memory.Methods: Twenty four mice, weighing between 18 – 22 g, were used. Two groups of six mice each were used during elevated plus maze and Y-maze, to determine long-term visuo-spatial and short-term spatial working memory, respectively. Control group received deionized water, while insulin group received insulin at 10 I.U./kg/day, subcutaneously.Results: In the elevated plus maze, acquisition and retention latencies were the same (P > 0.05) when compared between the groups. In the Y-maze test, number of entries into arms was similar (P > 0.05) within and between groups. Time spent in the novel arm by mice in the insulin (103.83 ±7.4 seconds) and control (108.00 ± 13.6 seconds) groups was higher (P < 0.05) when compared to time spent in arm A (68.33 ± 10.0 and 74.50 ± 5.6 seconds, respectively) and B (59.17 ± 9.5 and 69.67 ± 10.7, respectively). Number of triads and percent alternations were also the same (P > 0.05) when compared between the groups.Conclusion: It was concluded, that sub-acute insulin administration did not affect long-term visuo-spatial memory and short-term working memory in mice.Keywords: insulin, long-term visuo-spatial memory, short-term spatial memory, working memory, sub-acute treatmen

Effect of insulin on visuo-spatial memory and histology of cerebral cortex in the presence or absence of nitric oxide inhibition

Insulin has emerged from its traditional ‘peripheral’ glucose-lowering function to become increasingly regarded as a brain hormone that controls a wide range of functions including learning and memory. Insulin action on learning and memory is linked to nitric oxide (NO) signalling, but its effects on memory and histology of cerebral cortex in conditions of varied NO availability is unclear. This research sought to determine the effect of insulin on visuo-spatial learning, memory and histology of cerebral cortex during NO deficiency. Twenty-four mice weighing 21-23 g, were divided into four groups (n = 6) and treated daily for seven days with 0.2 ml distilled water subcutaneously (s.c.) (control), 10 I.U/kg insulin s.c., 10 I.U/kg insulin + 50 mg/kg L-NAME intraperitoneally (i.p.), and 50 mg/kg i.p. L-NAME s.c., respectively. The 3-day MWM paradigm was used to assess memory. Brain tissue was examined for histological changes. There was no significant difference between day 1 and day 2 latencies for all the groups. The mice in all (but L-NAME) groups spent more time in the target quadrant, and the difference was significant within but not between groups. There was significant reduction in number of platform site crossings (4.83 ± 0.5, 0.67 ± 0.3, 0.50 ± 0.3 and 0.50 ± 0.3 for control, insulin, insulin+L-NAME and L-NAME groups, respectively) in all the groups compared to control. Normal histology of the cortex and absence of histological lesions were observed in brain slides of control and treatment groups. It was concluded that insulin administration impairs visuo-spatial memory to a greater extent in the presence of NO block, and to a lesser extent in the absence of NO block. Nitric oxide has a role in insulin-induced memory impairment. Insulin administration in the presence or absence of NO block had no effect on histology of cortex.Keywords: Insulin, learning and memory, cortical histology, nitric oxid