Search

Purpose: To evaluate the in vitro activities of a gallic acid ester and two apigenin flavone glucoside constituents of Combretum dolichopetalum against Trypanosoma brucei brucei s427 (Tbs427) and Trypanosoma congolense IL3000 (Tc-IL3000), and their interactions with a lysosomal papain-like cysteine protease (CP) enzyme in silico.Methods: Anti-trypanosomal activity-guided separation of ethyl acetate fraction using column chromatographic (CC) technique and purification of the CC sub-fractions with semi-preparative HPLC yielded three (1-3) compounds. The structures were characterized based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analyses and tested for activities against Tbs427 and Tc-IL3000. All the compounds were subjected to molecular docking studies for the inhibition of trypanosomal cathepsin B (TbCatB) CP.Results: An ester (1), a butyl gallate, and two positional isomeric apigenin flavone glucosides (2, 3) were identified. The compounds 2 (vitexin) and 3 (isovitexin) showed low in vitro IC50 against the tested parasites. However, 2 (IC50, 25 μM) was more potent than 3 (IC50, 68 μM) against Tbs427 while both were equipotent (IC50 = 2, 11.5 μM and 3, 10.8 μM) against Tc-IL3000. Compound 1 (butyl gallate) showed higher activity against Tc-IL3000 (IC50 = 0.80 μM) than to Tbs427 (IC50, 2.72 μM). The molecular docking study showed that all the compounds had minimum binding energies with a higher affinity towards the active pocket of TbCatB compared to the controls and native inhibitor (CA074).Conclusion: The relatively high in vitro activities and their strong affinity for TbCatB support the need for further optimization of the compounds towards lead identification against animal trypanosomiasis.

Aripiprazole, a known third generation anti-psychotic drug. The drug has shown to have lesser side effects on extrapyramidal system and enhance memory when compared with the first-generation anti-psychotic drugs. However, studies on the impact of aripiprazole on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice have been poorly reported. This study was designed to investigate the impact of aripiprazole on scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice. Thirtysix (36) mice weighing between 20-23g were randomly divided into six groups. Group 1 was given 10 ml/kg distilled water. Group 2 received 3 mg/kg scopolamine alone. Group 3 was given 1 mg/kg donepezil. Group 4 received 0.5 mg/kg aripiprazole. Group 5 was given 0.3 mg/kg aripiprazole. Group 6 received 0.1mg/kg aripiprazole. Thirty minutes after administration of either aripiprazole or donepezil, scopolamine (3 mg/kg) was administered, intraperitoneally. The administration was for 7days, during which their memory was assessed using Morris water maze and Y-maze models. The results showed that the anti-amnesic effect of aripiprazole appeared to be dosedependent; the animals administered with 0.5 mg/kg aripiprazole showed the greatest improved memory performance against scopolamine-induced amnesia. The hippocampal and prefrontal cortex tissues displayed anti-amnesic potential of aripiprazole. Aripiprazole seems to improved memory performance against scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. Keywords: Aripiprazole; Anti-amnesic; Scopolamine; Memory

Background The increasing incidence of chemically induced infertility is both a social threat and a threat to the continuation of life itself. Treatment or management therapy is often expensive. This study investigated the effects of acetone extract of a local plant (Curcuma longa) in a Wistar rat model of cimetidine‐induced pituitary‐testicular dysfunction. Methods Thirty‐five male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats. After a phytochemical screening of an acetone extract of C. Longa, cimetidine and the extract at three doses, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg, were orally co‐administered to the rats for 28 consecutive days. Comparisons were made (at P

This study investigated the effects of proanthocyanidin-rich fraction (PRF) of Vitis vinifera seed extract on the markers of hippocampal-dependent memory in convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) rat model. One hundred juvenile Wistar rats were randomized into 6 groups. Group 1 (n = 10) received propylene glycol (PG 0.1 ml/100 g) intraperitoneally (i.p), while convulsion was induced in groups 2–6 (n = 18 each) using lithium (127 mg/kg i.p) and pilocarpine hydrochloride (40 mg/kg i.p). The established CSE rats in groups 2–6 received a daily treatment of PG (0.1 ml i.p), PRF (30 mg/kg i.p), PRF (20 mg/kg BW i.p), PRF (10 mg/kg BW i.p) or diazepam (5 mg/kg BW i.p) for seven days. Thereafter, they were kept untreated but with access to feed and water for 21 days. The control and CSE-treated rats were subjected to behavioral tests, while the biochemical and histomorphological evaluations of the hippocampus were done after the sacrifice. The results were presented as mean ± SEM in graphs or tables. The level of significance was considered when p There was significant decrease in the hippocampal-dependent memory, hippocampal weight and an increased malondialdehyde concentration following CSE. The activities of acetylcholinesterase decreased significantly in the PRF-treated CSE rats. The hippocampal glial cells and granule count increased significantly following CSE, with various neurodegenerative features in the CA1 of the hippocampus. These derangements were attenuated significantly following PRF treatment. Memory impairment following CSE may be attenuated with the administration of PRF from V. vinifera seed in rats.

Cyclosporine (CYA), a common immuno-suppressant drug that is used in organ transplants, is associated with nephrotoxic effects. Scientific exploration of natural products of plant origin should be considered; especially, in a world with increasing prevalence of kidney diseases. Effects of ginger polyphenols (GP) in Wistar rats with CYA-induced perturbations in electrolyte balance and kidney function was determined. Fifty Wistar rats were recruited for this study such that graded doses of GP were administered following CYA-induced kidney injury and comparisons were made against control and toxic groups at p + and K + electrolyte balance as well as creatinine clearance. Also, there was a significant derangement in feeding pattern and relative kidney weight. Using GSH and SOD as antioxidant indicators, there was significant disturbance of the anti-oxidant system while histopathological results showed evidence of interstitial vacuolations with atrophic glomeruli. These conditions were significantly attenuated (p

This study examined the effects of carbamazepine (CBZ) or levetiracetam (LEV) and sub-therapeutic doses of the combination of the two conventional antiepileptics on some of the markers of motor coordination. Twenty-four male Wistar rats (140 ± 5 g) were randomized into 4 groups (n = 6). Group I rats received physiological saline (0.2 ml), group II were administered CBZ (25.0 mg/kg), group III received LEV (50 mg/kg), while group IV rats were given sub-therapeutic doses of CBZ (12.5 mg/kg) and LEV (25 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 28 days. Thereafter the animals were subjected to behavioral and biochemical investigations, while the frontal lobe and cerebellar tissue were preserved for histological investigation. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics, and the results presented as mean ± SEM, analyzed using one-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student- Newman Keuls post hoc analysis where appropriate. p 0.05 was considered statistically significant. There was significant alteration in fine and skilled movement after the CBZ, and CBZ + LEV chronic treatment compared with the control. The CBZ, and CBZ + LEV combination treatment increased the frontal lobe and cerebellar activities of acetylcholinesterase, malondialdehyde concentration, tissue necrotic factor alpha and decreased the activities of super oxide dismutase relative to the control. Disorganization of the histoarchitecture of the frontal lobe and cerebellum was characterized by cellular atrophy, chromatolysis and hyalinization. Chronic CBZ, and CBZ + LEV combination treatment produced psychomotor dysfunction and neurotoxicity in this order CBZ + LEV CBZ LEV in the rats.

Introduction: Arteether™, a derivative of artemisinin, is among the recent drugs that have given renewed hope for combating malarial menace. The present study investigated the effects of arteether™ on the histology of the retina and cerebellum of Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty adult albino Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g, were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of five animals each and used for this study. Group A rats were given intramuscular (i.m.) arteether™ (3 mg/kg b.w.) daily for 3 days. Group B rats were given i.m. arteether™ (6 mg/kg b.w.) daily for 3 days. Group C rats were also given i. m. of arteether™ (3 mg/kg b. w.) daily for 3 days, and the same dose was repeated at two-weekly intervals for 4 further weeks; while Group D rats which received normal saline (0.9 % w/v, 3 ml/kg b.w.), served as controls. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The retina and cerebellum were excised and processed routinely for histopathology changes, using haematoxylin and eosin stain (H & E), as well as Nissl stain. Results: Results obtained showed normal cellular components of the retina and cerebellum in all groups, and no cyto-pathological changes were observed. Conclusion: Thus, this study showed that under light microscopic examination, therapeutic doses of arteether™ caused no significant cyto-pathologic changes in the retina and cerebellum of Wistar rats.

Background Sustained handgrip is one of the standardized non invasive test involved in assessment of cardiac autonomic functions Objective This study aimed at determining the sex differences in cardiovascular response to sustained handgrip among apparently healthy young adult Nigerians Materials and Method females and males age and sex matched apparently healthy young adults aged between years participated in this study The Systolic Blood Pressure SBP Diastolic Blood Pressure DBP and Pulse Rate PR of the subjects were recorded before and during sustained handgrip exercise in sitting position with sphygmomanometer cuff attached to the dominant arm The maximum voluntary contraction MVC of the subject was determined from the non dominant arm by the use of a handgrip dynamometer The handgrip was maintained at of the maximum voluntary contraction for as long as possible up to maximum period of minutes Blood pressure was monitored every minute until the maximum values were obtained Mean Arterial Pressure MAP Pulse Pressure PP and Rate Pressure Product RPP were calculated from SBP DBP and PR Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics The student t test was used to determine the difference between two groups and p value lt was considered statistically significant Results The males had a higher resting SBP DBP MAP PP and RPP than females with significant sex difference in PP t p value lt and SBP t p value Significant sex differences were observed in maximum values of SBP t p value lt DBP t p value MAP t p value RPP t p value and PP t p value during sustained handgrip exercise The resting heart rate at rest and during sustained handgrip exercise were higher in females Significant sex differences were also observed in change in cardiovascular responses to sustained handgrip with regards to SBP t p value DBP t p value and MAP t p Conclusion This study showed that sex significantly influenced haemodynamic responses to sustained handgrip exercise

This study aimed to determine the mean values of electrocardiographic parameters, and to describe the pattern of electrocardiograms in young adults.353 healthy young adults were evaluated by medical history, physical examination, and standard 12-lead electrocardiogram. The mean heart rate, QRS duration, PR interval, QT interval, corrected QT interval (QTc),T wave axis, P wave duration and amplitude were: 74 +/- 9 beats per min, 0.09 +/- 0.01s, 0.15 +/- 0.02 s, 0.36 +/- 0.02 s, 0.40 +/- 0.02 s, 54 +/- 20 degrees, 49 +/- 14 degrees, 0.09 +/- 0.01 s, 1.28 +/- 0.41 mm, respectively. The dominant electrocardiographic peculiarity among the participants was early repolarization which was characterized by male preponderance.This study defined baseline values for electrocardiographic variables in healthy young adults. Early repolarization is a common ECG feature in young adults.

Fits or convulsions are extremely common symptoms in childhood most especially in inflammatory conditions such as malaria and viral infections, tonsillitis and cases of epileptic conditions. Most of the available drugs used in the control of this symptom usually present adverse reactions. Alternative medicine is one of the interesting areas, which is getting more popular and increasingly attractive world wide. In searching for herbal remedy that is safe and efficacious, we therefore, evaluate the anticonvulsant effects of methanol Russelia equisetiformis extracts (MERE). Anticonvulsant activity was evaluated in the picrotoxin (PCT) and strychnine (STC)-induced convulsions in mice. MERE (100-400 mg/kg), significantly (p-1), showed the highest percentage level of protection (80%) against picrotoxin-induced seizures, with none of the fractions showing protection against (STC)-induced convulsion. Although, the data obtained in the present study, do not provide convulsive evidence, it would appear that R. equisetiformis crude extract (MERE), and its n-hexane fraction produce the observed anticonvulsant activity by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission, and/or facilitating GABAergic action in the brain. In general, the average onset of convulsion was delayed, while the average duration of convulsion was markedly reduced. These findings, suggest therefore, that the plant could serve as a supplementary therapy for the management and/or control of childhood convulsions and epilepsy.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of chronic administration of quinine on the myocardium of Swiss albino mice. 20 or 30 mg quinine/kg b.w. were administered for 30 consecutive days, while the control mice received equal amounts of normal saline. The mice were sacrificed 24 hours after the last administration. Some of the hearts were excised and processed for light microscopic study while some were assayed for malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase activities. The histological findings indicated that the treated sections of the heart were at variance with the control. The myocardium in the control section presents well organized myofibrils with long cylindrical mononucleated cells in contrast to a dose dependent distorted arrangement of myofibrils and scanty cellular components observed in the treated sections. There was a statistically significant decrement in the weight difference and relative percentage weight of the heart in a dose dependent manner just as the activities of MDA and catalase significantly increased in the treated groups. These findings indicate that chronic administration of quinine may have some deleterious effects on the heart of mice and by extension may affect its function.

AIM: To determine the effects of aqueous extract of Allium sativum bulbs (AEASAB) on pituitary-testicular injury and dysfunction in Wistar rats with lead-induced reproductive disturbances.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups such that the control group received propylene glycol at 0.2 ml/100 g intraperitoneally for 10 consecutive days, the toxic group received lead (Pb) alone at 15 mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal route for 10 days while the treatment groups were pretreated with lead as the toxic group after which they received graded doses of the extract at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day via oral route for 28 days. RESULTS: Pb administration induced significant deleterious alterations in the antioxidant status of the brain and testis, sperm characterization (counts, motility and viability) as well as reproductive hormones (FSH, LH and testosterone) of exposed rats (p < 0.05). These were significantly reversed in the AEASAB-treated groups (p < 0.05). Also, there was marked improvement in the Pb-induced vascular congestion and cellular loss in the pituitary while the observed Pb-induced severe testicular vacuolation was significantly reversed in the representative photomicrographs, following administration of the extract.CONCLUSION: AEASAB treatment ameliorated the pituitary-testicular injury and dysfunction in Wistar rats with Pb-Induced reproductive disturbances.

Background: This study assessed the responses of Blood Pressure (BP) and Heart Rate (HR) to change of posture, Sustained Handgrip (SH),deep breathing(DB) and Valsalva manoeuvre (VM) in order to determining the normal limits and pattern of Autonomic Cardiovascular Indices (ACI) among healthy young adults. Methods: Two hundred and four volunteer (98 men and 106 women) aged 18- 40 years (mean, 22.45 ± 4.86 years) participated in the study. After excluding systemic diseases by clinical evaluation, each participant performed five non-invasive cardiac autonomic function tests in series. Differences in supine and erect systolic BPs were assessed by sphygmomanometry, diastolic BP responses to SH were determined by dynamometry while HR variability in response to VM, DB and postural change were assessed by continuous electrocardiogram. Normal limits of ACI were determined at 5th and 95th percentiles. Results: The mean (normal limits) for SBP response to change of posture (mmHg); DBP response to sustained handgrip (mmHg); Valsalva ratio; heart rate response to deep breathing (beats per minute); PTI; tachycardia ratio; bradycardia ratio and RHR(beats per minute) respectively were: -4.26 ± 9.17(-19.00-11.00); 20.14 ± 17.35(0.00-54.00); 1.55 ± 0.40(1.10-2.40); 31.82 ± 10.81(13.0048.75); 1.41 ± 0.31(1.08-1.84); 0.80 ± 0.12(0.58-1.00); 1.21 ± 0.20(0.95-1.60) and 70.61 ± 12.23(53.00-93.00). During Valsalva maneouvre, Post-Strain Pause (PSP) which ranged from 1.2812.76s was observed in 14(6.86%) of the participants. PSP occurred more frequently in women (9.43%) than men (4.08%). No significant gender difference in the duration of post-strain pause (t=-1.628, p=0.105). In majority of the participants (67.6%), an elevation of SBP occurred within 2minutes of rising from supine to erect position. Immediate Post-Standing Pause (IPSP) occurred among 139 (68.14%) participants. Conclusion: Non-invasive assessment of cardiac autonomic function is feasible in Nigeria. Increase rather than decrease in systolic blood pressure response occurred more frequently upon a change from supine to erect posture. IPSP was a unique pattern of cardiac autonomic functions in study population.

In this study, we evaluated the effects of air-dried Spondias mombin leaves extracted with aqueous, methanol and ethanol solvents on hexobarbital-induced sleeping time and novelty-induced rearing (NIR) behaviours in mice and rats. We also studied the effect of the extracts on amphetamine- and apomorphine-induced stereotyped and picrotoxin-induced convulsive behaviour in rats. All residues from different extractions were dissolved in normal saline and administered intraperitoneally (i.p.). The methanolic and ethanolic extracts (12.5-100mg/kg i.p.) prolonged the hexobarbital-induced sleeping time and reduced the NIR in both mice and rat in a dose-dependent manner. The aqueous extract prolonged the hexobarbital-induced sleeping time and reduced (NIR) at doses of 50 and 100mg/kg. The inhibitory effect of the extracts on NIR was not reversed by atropine, yohimbine, naltrexone and flumazenil. However, the extracts blocked the facilitating effect of flumazenil. This suggests that NIR inhibitory effects of extracts of Spondia mombin are not mediated via muscarinic, alpha(2) adrenergic, and mu-opioid receptors, whereas, the extracts appear to facilitate GABAergic transmission. In addition the extracts blocked picrotoxin-induced convulsions. Phenolic compound(s) were present in the ethanolic and methanolic extracts, which exhibited anticonvulsant properties in the picrotoxin-induced convulsions model. The extracts decreased the amphetamine/apomorphine-induced stereotyped behaviour, which suggest that these extracts possess antidopaminergic activity. The effect of the extracts on hexobarbitone-induced sleeping time was blocked by flumazenil a GABA(A) antagonist, indicating that the extracts contain GABA(A) agonists. These results suggest that the leaves extracts of Spondias mombin possess sedative and antidopaminergic effects.

Summary Folkloric evidence and scientific reports indicate the use of C. podocarpa fruit as a purgative recipe. This study attempts to find the in vitro effects of its aqueous infusion (ACPF) and methanolic extract (MCPF) on the motility of the intestine of albino rats of Wistar strain and to compare their effect with those of C. acutifolia fruit (ACAF and MCAF). MCPF relaxed both the ileum and colon dose dependently. Its effect was blocked by tolazoline (10 –9 M) and propranolol (10 –9 M). ACPF had no effect on the ileum, but contracted the colon dose-dependently. Its effect was blocked by nifedipine (2.8 × 10 –10 M) and drastically reduced by atropine (3.4 × 10 –6 M). MCAF has the same effect as ACPF on both ileum and colon and its effect was similarly affected by atropine (3.4 × 10 –6 M) and nifedipine (2.8 × 10 –8 M). ACAF relaxed the ileum, its effect was blocked by tolazoline (5.1 × 10 –7 M). MCAF was more potent than ACPF in contracting the colon, Hexamethonium (2.8 × 10 –8 M), chlorpheniramine (3.8 × 10 –8 M) and promethazine (3.2 × 10 –10 M) potentiated the effect of ACPF on the colon. The results suggest that both ACAF and MCPF have anti-diarrhoeal effect. MCPF acts via both a and b adrenergic receptor stimulation, while ACAF stimulates a-receptor. ACPF and MCAF engage both the cholinergic system and calcium channel activation in causing purgation in the colon. The potentiation of the effect of ACPF by some blockers could be due to allosteric enhancement of the receptors involved in its action.

This study assessed healthy young adults to determine the normal limits for electrocardiographic variables and cut-off values for left ventricular hypertrophy. It was a cross sectional descriptive study in which the participants were evaluated clinically by standard 12-lead resting electrocardiogram (ECG) at 25 mm/s during quiet respiration. The heart rate, P wave duration, axis and amplitude, PR and QT intervals, QRS duration, axis and amplitude and T wave axis were assessed. Three hundred and twenty four (324) volunteers comprising of 175 males and 149 females aged 20 to 30 years (mean, 23.01 ± 2.88 years) participated in the study. The normal limits for heart rate, P wave duration, amplitude and axis in lead II, QRS duration and axis, T wave axis, PR interval, QT interval and QTc respectively were; 61-93 beats per minute,0.08-0.12s,1.00-2.00 mm,22.00-79.000,78.00-106.00 ms,15.50-81.000, 24.25-69.000,0.12-0.19s, 0.32-0.40s and 0.36-0.44s. The cut-off values for Sokolow-Lyon, Cornell and Araoye criteria for assessment of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) were higher than those previously in use in medical practice. Gender difference exists in some cut-off values for LVH. This study defined the normal limits for electrocardiographic variables for young adult Nigerians. Racial factor should be taken into consideration in interpretation of ECG.

This study attempted to elucidate the neurotransmitter systems involved in the neurophysiological properties of ethanolic extract, fractions and pure isolates of Spondias mombin leaves in mice (n = 6) after intraperitoneal (i.p.) route of administration.The crude ethanolic extract of Spondian mombin leaves was fractionated using the partitioning method to obtain the ethylacetate, butanolic and aqueous fractions. Open column chromatographic fractionation of the ethylacetate fraction yielded seven sub-fractions, out of which the pure coumaroyl, quercetin and gallic acid derivatives were obtained after purification on Sephadex LH 20. The ethanolic extract, butanolic fraction, ethylacetate subfractions and pure isolates of the Spondian mombin leaves were tested on novelty-induced rearing and grooming behaviours in mice with standard pharmacological tools using the open field method. The extract and its fractions decreased novelty-induced rearing in a dose-dependent manner. While the Coumaroyl derivative had no effect on novelty-induced rearing, it significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of yohimbine, propranolol and haloperidol on novelty-induced rearing. Quercetin significantly potentiated the inhibitory effect of yohimbine on novelty-induced rearing. Naloxone significantly potentiated the quercetin-induced suppression of novelty-induced rearing. Gallic acid derivative significantly potentiated the inhibitory effect of yohimbine on novelty-induced rearing. Naloxone, atropine and haloperidol pretreatments significantly potentiated gallic acid derivative-induced suppression of novelty-induced rearing.The extract and its fractions had biphasic effect on novelty-induced grooming in mice. Coumaroyl derivative significantly increased novelty-induced grooming, while quercetin and gallic acid derivative decreased novelty-induced grooming significantly. The three pure isolates significantly reversed the effects of yohimbine and atropine on the novelty-induced grooming in mice. Propranolol-induced increase in novelty-induced grooming was significantly reversed by coumaroyl and gallic acid derivatives. Pre-treatment with naloxone significantly increased the gallic acid derivative-induced suppression of novelty-induced grooming. Pre-treatment with haloperidol reversed the effect of coumaroyl derivative and potentiated the inhibitory effect of quercetin derivative and gallic acid derivative significantly. This study suggested that adrenergic and dopaminergic neuro-transmissions are strongly involved in the neural mechanisms of the effect of the three pure isolates derivative, while opioid neuro-transmission is strongly linked with the neural mechanism of behavioural effect of coumaroyl derivative.

La diabetes mellitus (DM) es una enfermedad metabolica grave con complicaciones micro y macro vasculares que resultan en una significativa morbilidad y mortalidad. El presente estudio investigo los efectos de Momordica charantia (M. charantia) sobre los cambios histologicos de la aorta y el tronco pulmonar en ratas Wistar con diabetes inducida por estreptozotocina. Cuarenta ratas Wistar adultas sanas de ambos sexos fueron asignadas al azar en cinco grupos A, B, C, D y E, 8 ratas cada grupo. El grupo A fue control (ratas normales); el grupo B fue de ratas diabeticas inducidas experimentalmente; el grupo C fue de ratas diabeticas tratadas con extractos metanolicos de M. charantia por dos semanas (grupo de retirada); grupo D fue de ratas diabeticas tratadas con extractos metanolicos de M. charantia durante cuatro semanas, y el grupo E fue de ratas diabeticas tratadas con glimepirida durante cuatro semanas. Los tejidos obtenidos se incluyeron en parafina y se tineron con tecnica de rutina y tinciones especiales. Los resultados histologicos revelaron alteraciones morfologicas en la aorta y el tronco pulmonar de las ratas diabeticas. El analisis histoquimico revelo tambien la deposicion anormal de glucogeno en estos vasos de ratas diabeticas. Tanto M. charantia y glimperida atenuaron las alteraciones morfologicas y redujeron los depositos de glucogeno. En conclusion, la M. charantia tiene un efecto de mejora prometedor sobre los cambios en la morfologia de la aorta y el tronco pulmonar en ratas Wistar diabeticas inducidas por STZ y, por extension, pueden ser relevantes en el manejo de alteraciones cardiovasculares asociadas con la DM.

The consumption of Silkworm, Anaphe venata has been reported to be associated with a high incidence of seasonal ataxia in some parts of Nigeria. Injection of some doses of Aqueous Anaphe venata extract (AAV) by intraperitoneal route into mice has been reported to cause some behavioral changes associated with ataxia. We administered some doses of the extract (50–300 mg/kg) to mice orally in view of finding its effects on their fecal pellet output and elucidating the mechanism of action of the extract in the intestine of the mice. The extract caused a significant increase in fecal pellet weight and intestinal transit which was not dose-dependent. Doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg of the extract caused more significant reversal of loperamide-induced constipation than castor oil. Chlorpheniramine nifedipine and promethazine (1 mg/kg) blocked the increased fecal pellet output induced by the extract, while atropine and hexamethonium (1 mg/kg) did not block this effect of the extract. We concluded that AAV increased fecal pellet output of mice by increasing the peristaltic waves in their intestine via stimulation of H 1 receptors and opening of L-type calcium channels and not through the cholinergic receptors. Keywords: H 1 receptors, L-type calcium channels, intestinal transit, peristalsis

This study aimed at determining changes in urine concentrations of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) of Plasmodium berghei infected rats during a week of intramuscular administration of artemether (12.5 to 50.0 mg/kg/day) and one week thereafter. Their concentrations and that of creatinine and urea in the plasma were also determined at the end of the study. The observed changes were related to the effects of artemether on the kidneys of the rats. The urine levels of the two electrolytes decreased significantly during treatment (P

The in-vitro effects of methanolic extract (MCSL) and aqueous infusion (ACSL) of the leaves of C. sieberiena on the motility of the rat intestines were studied and compared with those of C. acutifolia (MCAL and ACAL) “Senna”. All the extracts and infusion relaxed the ileum dose-dependently. Their effects were blocked by tolazoline, indicating that a–adrenergic receptors were involved. MCSL contracted the colon dose-dependently and was blocked by atropine(1.7x10-8 M) and nifedipine (2.8x10-10M). ACSL contracted this segment at 2.0-8.0 mg/ml and relaxed it at 8.0-16.0mg/ml. Its relaxant effect was blocked by tolazoline (1.0x10-6M), indicating the involvement of a– adrenergic receptors . MCAL had a slight relaxant effect on the colon, while ACAL contracted it dose dependently and was blocked by promethazine (3.1x10-8M) and nifedipine (2.8 x 10-8M), indicating that H1-receptor stimulation and increased intracellular calcium ion concentration are involved. MCSL was more potent than ACAL, while ACSL and ACAL were equipotent in contracting the colon. With proper processing C. sieberiena can be substituted for C. acutifolia.

El objetivo de este estudio fue el de sustituir el costoso y peligroso compuesto xileno, utilizado como agente de aclaramiento, por un compuesto menos costoso (mezcla de kerosene y xileno), con menor toxicidad y sin comprometer la integridad celular ni las caracteristicas de tincion de las secciones. Los tejidos (higado y rinon) fueron obtenidos a partir de una rata Wistar adulta presumiblemente sana, los que fueron fijados en solucion de formalina salina al 10%, y separadas en cinco grupos (A, B, C, D y E) y tratadas para estudio con microscopico de luz, con tincion H & E. Durante el aclaramiento de las secciones histologicas, los grupos A, B, C, D y E, fueron, respectivamente, aclarados con el disolvente 1 (solo xileno), solvente 2 (70ml de xileno: 30ml Kerosene), solvente 3 (50ml de xileno: 50ml Kerosene), solvente 4 (30ml xileno: 70ml kerosene) y solvente 5 (solo el kerosene). Los resultados revelaron que los tejidos de los grupos A, B y C fueron aclarados correctamente sin alteraciones morfologicas. En la tincion tambien se observo como caracteristica, ser muy brillante. Los grupos D y E, sin embargo presentaron una tincion de pobre intensidad con la reduccion de los detalles celulares. Zonas con manchas semitransparentes tambien fueron observadas. Se infiere que una mezcla de xileno y kerosene podria ser empleado en el aclaramiento de los tejidos, solo prescrito en la proporcion del solvente 2 y 3, sin suponer ningun riesgo para la salud o comprometer la integridad celular.

Background: Sex verification using electrocardiogram (ECG) is a new application of the biological signal. Objective: This study aimed to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of an electrocardiographic score in sex verification. Methods: A total of 2442 apparently healthy fresh undergraduates who presented for health screening in a tertiary institution were recruited for the study. The technical team documented the sex of the participants and had their resting 12-lead ECG recorded according to standard protocol. Two physicians who were blinded to the participants and the recorded sex utilized Ogunlade Sex Determination Electrocardiographic Score (OSDES) to determine the sex. The validity of OSDES was estimated using sex recorded by the technical team as the standard while the accuracy of scoring system was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: The mean (± standard deviation) of age of the participants was 20.71 ± 3.62 years. Among the male population, true positives (TPs), false positives (FPs), false negatives (FNs), and true negatives (TN) were 1131, 49, 90, and 1172, respectively. Among the females TP, FP, FN, and TN were 1172, 90, 49, and 1131, respectively. Among males, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 92.63% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91.02-94.03%), 95.99% (95% CI: 94.73-97.02%), 95.85% (95% CI: 94.55-96.91%), and 92.87% (CI: 91.31-94.23%) respectively while among the females, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 95.99% (95% CI: 94.73-97.02%), 92.63% (95% CI: 91.02-94.03%), 92.87% (95% CI: 91.31-94.23%), and 95.85% (95% CI: 91.02-94.03%) respectively. The area under curve was 0.943. Conclusion: This study concluded that ECG has a reasonable level of sensitivity and specificity with excellent accuracy in verification of sex among fresh Nigerian undergraduates.

Background: Anthropometric parameters are useful for indexing cardiovascular variables. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the association between anthropometric parameters and autonomic cardiovascular indices (ACIs) among young adults. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving 204 healthy young adults who were residents of Ile-Ife. The weight (kg) and height (m) were measured with health scale while body mass index and body surface area were calculated using Quetelet index and Mosteller formula, respectively. Each participant was evaluated through a battery of procedures; systolic blood pressure (SBP) response to standing, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) response to sustained handgrip (SH), resting heart rate (RHR), heart rate (HR) variability during Valsalva maneuver, deep breathing, and change of posture while the ACIs were derived as outcome of the procedures. The relationship between the anthropometry and ACI was determined by correlation. Results: Height positively correlated with SBP response to posture (r = 0.107, P = 0.128), DBP response to SH (r = 0.143, P = 0.041), and heart rate response to deep breathing (HDB) (r = 0.043, P = 0.540). Height negatively correlated with Valsalva ratio (r = −0.022, P = 0.759), 30:15 ratio (r = −0.009, P = 0.902), and RHR (−0.152, P = 0.030). Weight correlated positively with postural change in SBP (r = 0.096, P = 0.172), DBP response to SH (r = 0.091, P = 0.197), and 30:15 ratio (r = 0.005, P = 0.948). Weight negatively correlated with HR response to deep breathing (r = −0.114, P = 0.105) and RHR (r = −0.153, P = 0.029). Conclusion: Anthropometric parameters correlated weakly with most indices of cardiac autonomic function except RHR.

1. The effects of artemether (12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg per day, i.m.), administered to different groups of Plasmodium berghei-infected and -uninfected adult Wistar rats for 1 week, were investigated. 2. The parameters evaluated were the feeding, drinking and urinating patterns of the rats and these were compared with those of rats that received normal saline. 3. Artemether caused a significant dose-dependent reduction in food consumption of both P. berghei-infected and -uninfected rats (P < 0.05). Food intake in infected rats was reduced by approximately 7 g/24 h. This reduction in food intake was further reduced during drug treatment with artemether. Artermether also reduced food intake in uninfected rats. The food consumption of rats that received 12.5 and 25.0 mg/kg artemether was restored after stopping treatment, in contrast with rats that received 50.0 mg/kg, in which the significant reduction in food consumption persisted 1 week after drug administration. 4. During treatment with artemether, the water intake of infected rats was significantly lower than that of uninfected rats in the 12.5 mg/kg artemether-treated group, but was significantly higher in infected rats than in uninfected rats dosed with 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg artemether. 5. For all doses of artemether tested, a significant increase in urine output was observed in infected rats during treatment and 1 week after treatment, whereas in uninfected rats a significant increase in urine output was observed only following 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg artemether 1 week after drug administration. 6. The present study confirms the anorexic activity of a high dose of artemether in both P. berghei-infected and -uninfected rats. It also indicates that high doses of the drug could cause impaired renal function in rats and that the significant increase in urine output could also be due to other effects of artemether, namely those on thirst, anti-diuretic hormone output and the osmotic pressure of the blood.

Spondias mombin L [Anacardiaceae] is a plant used by traditional medical practitioners in Nigeria in the treatment of various nervous disorders. In this study, the anxiolytic properties of the aqueous, methanol and ethanol extracts of the leaves were examined using aggressive-behaviour response and depression-related swimming behaviour activities. All the extracts administered orally were not toxic to mice up to a dose of 5 g/kg. On intraperitoneal injection, however, the LD50 values [mice/rats] were calculated to be 0.48 g/kg / 0.62 g/kg for ethanol extract, 1.10 g/kg / 1.08 g/kg for methanol extract and 1.36 g/kg / 1.42 g/kg for aqueous extract respectively. All residues from different extractions were dissolved in normal saline and administered intraperitoneally. It was found that the three extracts abolished the aggressive attacks by rats, and reduced swimming time in mice. These effects were found to be most potent with the administration of the ethanol extract. These effects of the extracts were blocked by flumazenil, an antagonist of GABAA receptor. The results suggest that the extracts of Spondias mombin possess anxiolytic effect mediated by GABAergic transmission.

Introduction Dextrocardia with situs inversus is a rare congenital disease. In patients with this condition, the heart is presented as a mirror image of itself with its apex pointing to the right. The pulmonary and abdominal anatomies are reversed. Dextrocardia with situs inversus occurs at birth but its diagnosis may be in adulthood. This case advances knowledge by graphically describing the unusual electrocardiographic features of dextrocardia in a young adult. Case presentation We report a case of a 22-year-old Nigerian man of Yoruba ethnicity who presented himself for preadmission medical test. He had a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram which revealed uncommon features: inversion of P waves in leads I, aVL and aVR; dominantly negative QRS waves in leads I, V1 to V6; reverse R wave progression in chest leads; low voltage in V4 to V6; extreme QRS axis; flattened T waves in V4 to V6 and aVR; and inverted T waves in lead I and aVL. An electrocardiogram diagnosis of dextrocardia was made. The differential diagnosis considered was right ventricular hypertrophy. A cardiovascular examination showed pulse rate of 70 beats per minute, blood pressure of 119/62mmHg, visible cardiac impulse at right precordium, apex beat was located at his fifth right intercostal space mid-clavicular line. A chest X-ray (posterior anterior view) including upper abdomen showed dextrocardia; his aortic arch was located on the right. His stomach bubble was located below his right hemidiaphragm. His trachea was slightly deviated to the left. The findings in his lung fields were not remarkable. Abdominopelvic ultrasonography showed that right-sided intra-abdominal organs (liver, gallbladder) were located on the left while left-sided organs (stomach, spleen) were located on the right. His abdominal aorta was on the right while his inferior vena cava was located on the left. A diagnosis of dextrocardia with situs inversus was made ultrasonographically. Conclusions A properly interpreted electrocardiogram was useful in suspecting the diagnosis of dextrocardia with situs inversus. So, an analysis of a relatively simple and non-invasive diagnostic tool such as an electrocardiogram allows for suspicion of a cardiovascular anomaly in a setting of scarce diagnostic resources.