Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences最新文献

Moringa oleifera (MO) has been recognized for its numerous beneficial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the potential antihypertensive effects of MO seeds in rats subjected to Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) exposure. Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10 rats each for the experiment. Group A served as the control, received normal saline only, Group B received L-NAME (40 mg/kg) only, Group C received L-NAME (40 mg/kg) + 10% MO feed, Group D received L-NAME (40 mg/kg) + 20% MO feed, and Group E received L-NAME (40 mg/kg) + Lisinopril (10 mg/kg). Treatment was daily and covered a period of 5 weeks. Blood pressure and electrocardiographic measurements were obtained using a non-invasive tail cuff blood pressure device and a 6/7 lead computer ECG equipment, respectively. Heart and kidney tissues were analyzed for oxidative stress parameters, and immunohistochemistry and histopathology of the heart and kidney were conducted using standard methods. L-NAME treatment led to a significant increase in diastolic and systolic values compared to the control group. Serum nitric oxide concentration significantly decreased in rats that received L-NAME alone, while co-treatment with MO and Lisinopril showed a significant increase in nitric oxide levels. Co-treatment with MO and Lisinopril significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the cardiac and renal tissues, whereas L-NAME alone caused a significant increase in MDA concentration. The expressions of cardiac and renal caspase-3 significantly increased in L-NAME alone treated rats, while co-treatments with MO and Lisinopril significantly reduced the expressions of caspase-3. In conclusion, co-treatment with MO effectively reduced arterial pressure and indices of hypertension in rats, mitigated the oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by L-NAME. Therefore, the inclusion of MO seeds in hypertension management may serve as an effective remedy. Keywords: Moringa oliefera, L-NAME, Hypertension, Oxidative Stress, Nitric oxide.

D-Ribose-L-Cysteine (Riboceine)- an antioxidant supplement that may help to raise the glutathione levels by acting as a precursor for glutathione biosynthesis in biological systems. Effect of riboceine (Rb) on sodium arsenite (SA) induced hepatorenal toxicity was investigated in rats. Four groups (A-D) (six per group) were treated thus: Group A (water and normal diet only); while Group B (SA at 5 mg/kg body weight); Group C (riboceine at 10 mg/kg body weight) and Group D (riboceine and SA). The exposure to test substances lasted for a total of 14 days in each case in which pre-treatment was done with riboceine. Exposure to SA triggered a significant reduction in the entire weight and relative organ weight, increase in ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase) activities, decrease in liver total protein and increase in serum levels of urea and creatinine. Furthermore, SA caused a significant reduction in GSH (glutathione) level and CAT (Catalase) activity, while the LPO (lipid peroxidation) and NO (nitric oxide) levels were significantly increased. Pre-treatment with riboceine, restored the levels of the aforementioned parameters. Riboceine also promote restoration of hepatocytes and renal cells integrity. Findings from this study reaffirm the hepatorenal toxicities of sodium arsenite and show the protective role of riboceine against SA-induced toxicities. Protective effects of riboceine may be via the enhancement of the level of glutathione, a natural scavenger of free radicals.

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a leading role in transmuting the field of healthcare. Numerous aspects of AI have been incorporated into the healthcare delivery system. For instance, in disease diagnosis, the practice of personalised treatment plans and precision medicine are AI-dependent. This review gives a widespread role of AI in healthcare, with a focus on applications, and challenges. Deep brain stimulation, statistical analysis, machine learning, and deep learning are a few examples of AI-powered technologies that have contributed immensely to biomedical research and medical imaging advancement. Moreover, AI algorithms are pivotal in genomics research, easing the identification of genetic markers related to disease vulnerability and treatment reaction, thereby aiding the practice of precision medicine. Apart from diagnosis and treatment strategies, AI assists in healthcare management and resource optimization, along with the discovery and therapy of drugs. Forecasting of disease outbreaks, effective allocation of hospital resources, and management of patient traffic rely mostly on predictive analytics driven by AI. Again, AI-powered virtual health assistance, telemedicine has aided patient appointments and support, giving real-time support and health recommendations. Although AI algorithms provide outstanding breakthroughs in healthcare, AI adoption is cumbered by numerous dares such as monetary concerns, regulatory hurdles, data privacy fears, and ethical considerations associated with AI applications, such as algorithm bias and transparency. Futuristically, AI application in healthcare holds vast potential, such as early disease detection, drug discovery, and optimization of treatment. Concerted efforts targeted at tackling the prevailing challenges and creating holistic control would be important to tie together the full potential of AI in rejuvenating the healthcare delivery system.

The hip joint bears a considerable proportion of the human weight and the ability to efficiently perform its plethora of functions depends on the status of the acetabulum. Morphological alteration of the acetabulum results in acetabular dysplasia which adversely affects the hip joint. The objectives of this study were to determine acetabular morphology, factors that are associated with acetabular dysplasia which compromise hip joint functions and the prevalence of acetabular dysplasia in apparently healthy adults in Calabar. This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the Radiology department of the University of Calabar teaching hospital, Calabar, Nigeria over a 5-months period and involved 100 apparently healthy subjects. Pelvic radiographs were conducted for all the subjects and afterwards center edge angle of Wiberg and acetabular angle of Sharp evaluations were done on all the images on a direct digital radiography viewer. Chi square, T-test and Pearson's correlation were used to analyze the data. Mean center edge angle of Wiberg and acetabular angle of Sharp were 27.41 ± 0.730 (SEM) and 39.00±0.860 (SEM) respectively. Center edge angle of Wiberg and acetabular angle of Sharp were significantly associated with age (P=0.000 & P=0.000), marital status (P=0.002 & P=0.000) and employment status (P=0.001 & P=0.002). BMI was only significantly associated with center edge angle of Wiberg (P=0.004). Abnormal center edge angle of Wiberg and acetabular angle of Sharp were mostly seen in individuals below 40 years (64% & 88%, respectively), married (65% & 63%, respectively) and employed (75% & 53%, respectively). Most of the individuals with BMI above 25 had abnormal center edge angle of Wiberg (62%). Mean BMI in males was significantly greater than that of females (P=0.000). Acetabular dysplasia was noted in 4 males (4%). It is concluded that the center edge angle of Wiberg and the acetabular angle of Sharp in our population are similar to the values in some European and Asian populations, and the prevalence of acetabular dysplasia is 4% in this locality. Being a male that is married, employed, overweight and below 40 years are significantly associated with acetabular dysplasia and by implication are determinants of hip joint function.

In this study, we compared the ulcer healing effect of carbohydrate-, protein- and fat-rich diets on acetic acid-induced ulcers in young and aged rats. Male Wistar rats (40 each at 3-, 6-, 12-, and 18 months old) were grouped into four to receive basal diet (control), carbohydrate-, protein-, or fat-rich diets for 21 days before acetic acid-induced gastric injury. After this, the various feedings continued for 3- and 7 days. Planimetry was used for the ulcer healing study. We estimated the redox status, pepsin, mucin, and nitric oxide activities by UV/Vis-spectrophotometer while the Epidermal Growth Factor-Receptor (EGF-R) was by immunohistochemistry. Data was analyzed (two-way ANOVA) and was considered significant at p≤0.05. Percentage ulcer healing by day 7 relative to day 3 decreased with advancing age in other diets but increased in the aged rats fed a protein-rich diet. Gastric carbonyl, Malondehyde, and pepsin activities increased significantly with age, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, mucin, Nitric-oxide and EGF-R expression significantly decreased with age. Protein-rich diets modulated the age-related alterations. These findings suggest that a protein-rich diet facilitates the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric injury by enhancing gastroprotective activity to favour EGF-R expression in the ulcerated stomach.

One of the factors characterizing suboptimal breastfeeding is insufficient human milk production. In most African settings, special food items are regularly used to promote human milk production. These food items, called galactagogues, are used in Nigeria, but their use is undocumented and their amount of intake among lactating mothers is unknown. This study aimed to document the galactagogue consumption habits and describe the food items used by some lactating mothers in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 112 mothers who breastfed exclusively in Lagos Nigeria. A pretested, self-reported administered questionnaire was used. All data were coded in a computer program file (STATA, statistical software, version 15.0). The most reported galactagogue was pap (80.8%). Others were tea (46.0%), milk (19.1%), and amala (9.5%). Information concerning galactagogues was mainly from the participants' mothers (35.9%), while media/ internet had little influence (4.2%). Galactagogues are common in Nigeria, and they signify an important part of the nutrition of lactating mothers. These results could contribute to the knowledge of breastfeeding activities in Nigeria and encourage further research to produce robust facts about galactagogues' safety and scientific efficacy to support evidence-based approaches and advance breastfeeding concerns.

This study investigated the neurologic effect of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa on cadmium chloride-induced neurotoxicity in wistar rats. Thirty male wistar rats were grouped accordingly; Group A: control, Group B-F: CdCl2 0.3ml; H. sabdariffa 1.5ml; CdCl2 + H. sabdariffa 1.0ml; CdCl2 + H. sabdariffa 1.5ml; CdCl2 + H. sabdariffa 2ml, respectively. Gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detector (GC-FID), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and mineral analysis of H. sabdariffa was done to reveal the bioactive agents in the plant sample. Oxidative stress, muscle function markers and plasma electrolytes were assayed. Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, phytate, anthraquinone and flavonoids. The mineral analysis revealed predominantly, Mn, Ca, K and Fe. The biochemical results were in comparison with control and statistically significant at 95% confidence interval. There was an increase in SOD, CAT, GSH, GR and GPx in groups C-F, MDA decreased in group C, E and F while PC decreased in group C and F. There was a decrease in plasma creatine kinase in groups C to F and increase in AChE in group C. Ca and K levels had no significant change (P<0.05). Nitric oxide level had no significant change in group C, E and F, but increased in group D. This study demonstrated that H. sabdariffa has the potential to ameliorate the neurotoxicity caused by CdCl2 in wistar rats.

Alzheimer's disease (memory impairment disorder) and motor co-ordination disorders are on the increase worldwide. 5-Hydroxytryphamine (serotonin) is involved in short term memory and motor co-ordination (Buhot et al., 2000., Cabaj et al., 2017).  Whether beans that contain serotonin precursor (tryptophan) can ameliorate memory and motor co-ordination impairment has not been previously ascertained. Therefore, this research was to study the effects of consumption of cooked beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and serotonin precursor diets on scopolamine-impaired memory and motor co-ordination in mice. Sixty mice were randomly assigned into 6 groups (10 mice per group) namely; Control, Scopolamine only, Scopolamine with 50% cooked beans diet, Scopolamine with serotonin precursor diet, 50% cooked beans diet only and serotonin precursor diet only. Preliminary studies on phytochemical analyses were done before learning/memory and motor co-ordination were also studied. Standard methods were used to study learning/memory and motor coordination. The results showed that preliminary phytochemical screening of cooked beans indicated the presence of tryptophan, flavonoids, alkaloids, and polyphenols (antioxidants). Learning was impaired in Scopolamine only group compared to control and other test groups (p<0.05). Memory was also impaired in scopolamine only group compared to all other experimental groups (p<0.05). Motor co-ordination was also impaired in scopolamine only group compared to all other groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, consumption of beans and serotonin precursor diets improved memory and motor coordination in scopolamine impaired memory and motor co-ordination in mice. The memory and motor co-ordination enhancement observed may be attributed to serotonin synthesized from tryptophan in beans.

This study was designed to investigate the phytochemical composition and protective effects of methanol extract of Parquetina nigrescens leaf (MEPL) in male Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening, in vitro antioxidant assay, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and LD50 were determined. Forty male Wistar rats were grouped into eight and orally treated for 54 days as follows: Group 1 (10% tween 80), Group 2 (3 mg/kg As2O3) Groups 3, 4 and 5 (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg MEPL) and groups 6, 7 and 8, (250 mg/kg+As2O3, 500 mg/kg+As2O3 and 1000 mg/kg+As2O3). The animals were sacrificed on day 55 under anaesthesia. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture for heamatological studies. Liver concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were determined spectrophotometrically. Liver histology was also assessed. Flavonoids, tannin, alkaloids, saponin, and anthraquinone were present in MEPL, also, MEPL scavenged 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) and Azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical (ABTS+). The IC50 of MEPL required to chelate metal was also low. The GC-MS revealed the presence of 24 essential oil. The LD50 was > 5000 mg/kg. Packed cell volume and red blood cell count were significantly reduced in 1000 mg/kg MEPL group, white blood cell count and SOD activity reduced (P<0.05) in 3 mg/kg As2O3 when compared with control but increased in groups co-treated with As2O3 and 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg + As2O3. MDA concentration, AST, ALT and ALP activities increased significantly in 3 mg/kg As2O3 group but decreased (P<0.05) in groups co-treated with As2O3 and 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg. The methanol extract of Parquetina nigrescens leaf in male Wistar rats has antioxidant, hepatoprotective and white blood cell protective effects.

The study aimed at elucidating the potency of aqueous extract of Talinum triangulare on the hippocampal neurons, astrocytes as well as assessing short term memory of scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's type rats. Fifty-four Wistar rats (180-200g) were used for the study; thirty experimental rats were randomly grouped into five, each containing six rats designated A, B, C, D and E while twenty-four rats were used to establish 50% lethal dose (LD50). Alzheimer's type cognitive dysfunction was intraperitoneally (ip) induced with scopolamine hydrobromide (1mg/kg, ip) for seven days in groups B-E prior to the oral administration of the aqueous extract (875 and 1750mg/kg) and donepezil (1mg/kg), followed by the novel object recognition test, histological and GFAP staining processes. Results revealed atrophied pyramidal cells, hyperchromatic, numerous glial cells with pale cytoplasmic inclusions and astrogliosis in groups B, C, and E while group D showed ameliorative potentials compared to group A. Also, short term memory was significantly higher in group D compared to groups B, C and E. In conclusion, aqueous extract of Talinium triangulare leaves reduced the potentials of scopolamine hydrobromide by restoring abnormal neurons, hence, enhancing cognitive memory in the rats used in the present study.