BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Sphenocentrumjollyanumislocallyknownandwidelyutilizedintraditionalmedicineforthe treatmentofawiderangeofailments,including diabetes,wounds,feverandgastrointestinal issues.Otherusesoftheplantincludesituseformalaria,highbloodpressure,coughs,andbreast tumors.Thoughthemedicinalusesbymodernsciencehasnotbeenfullystudied,thetherapeutic functionbytraditionaluserscan’tbeseenasvoid ThepurposeofthisstudyisthescreeningandGC-MSprofilingofcyclitolsandsugaralcoholin theaqueousextractofsphenocentrumjollyanumtoresolveandquantifytheconstituentsofit polyolfractionwhichincludeCYCLITOLSandSUGARALCOHOLasthe maincompoundof focusseeingthatdespiteitrecognizedpharmacologicalimportance,acomprehensive chemical profile,particularlyofhighlypolarmetabolites,remainincomplete Theprocedurefortheprofilingandthescreenofthepolyolofstudyinvolvesfirstlythe preparationoftheaqueousextractfromtheairdried,pulverizedstemmaterialoftheplantand subjectingittotrimethylsilylderivatizationbeforeanalysiswithGC-MS(GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASSSPECTROMETRY)Whichisananalyticaltechniquesusedtoseparate,identifyandquantifychemicalconstituentsin a mixture and is used in drug testing, foodanalysis,environmentalmonitoring,forensicinvestigationsandstudies and also for detectionofcontaminant.Theseinvolvetheuseofgaschromatographyfortheseparationofthe variousconstituentsintheplantandtheuseofmassspectrometryfortheidentificationofthe variouscompoundsinthemixtureaccordingtotheirmassandtheirfragmentation Thisanalysisoftheaqueousextractoftheplantrevealedthepresenceofacyclitolderivative (inositol,1-deoxy-)whichisfor43.45%ofthetotalidentifiedextractcompoundsandanegative resultforatruesugaralcoholandthisindicatethatthepolyolchemistryintheplant (S.JOLLYANUM)is heavilyskewedtowardsthecyclicform

High salt consumption is known to be detrimental to cardiovascular health and can lead to various problems. However, the effects of antihypertensive drugs and antioxidants on salt-induced vascular dysfunction remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to examine the influence of antihypertensive drugs and antioxidants on impact of salt-loading in platelet and endothelial function. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to control group and different test groups receiving a high salt diet with different antihypertensive drugs and antioxidants
interventions. The control group received a normal rat chow (0.3% NaCl) and water, the high salt (HS) group received rat chow containing (8% NaCl), others were fed on high salt diet (8% NaCl) with interventions including Lisinopril 2.3mg/kg/d, Losartan 0.1mg/kg/d, Verapamil 0.1mg/kg/d, Vitamin C 100mg/kg/d, Magnesium 4.8mM and Kolaviron 200mg/kg/d. Drug administrations were by oral gavage. Blood pressure (mmHg) and heart rate (bpm) were monitored using the cufftail artery method. At the end of 8 weeks treatment period, animals were sacrificed using chloroform anaesthesia, carefully, the abdominal cavity was cut open by mid-line incision using a clean dissecting set. Left ventricle, aorta and mesenteric artery were harvested and blood samples were collected for platelet count, platelet indices and gene protein expression analyses. The result showed a significant increase in the mean arterial pressure, systolic and diastolic pressure in saltloaded rats compared with control, the high salt + Lisinopril, Losartan, Verapamil, Vitamin C, Magnesium and Kolaviron groups showed significant reduction in blood pressure compared with high salt group. There was a significant increase in platelet activating factor (PAF) gene expression in high salt group compared with control. High salt co-treated with Lisinopril, Losartan, Verapamil,
Vitamin C, Magnesium and Kolaviron groups showed significant decrease in PAF gene expression compared to high salt group. There were no significant changes in platelet count across groups compared with control. There was a significant decrease in mean platelet volume in HS +
Lisinopril and HS + Verapamil groups compared with control but there were no significant changes in all the other groups compared with control. There were no significant changes in plateletcrit in all the groups compared with control. There were no significant changes in platelet distribution width in all the groups compared with control. There was significant decrease in platelet large cell
ratio in HS + Lisinopril, HS + Verapamil and HS + Kolaviron groups compared with control but there were no significant changes in all the other groups compared with control respectively. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that suggests that high salt diet may alter platelets
function through oxidative, and protein enzyme receptor pathways which may be explored for improvement in therapeutic interventions.

This study investigated the effects of malaria parasite infection on kidney function using albino Wistar rats. The aim of the study was to determine kidney impairment induced by malaria through controlled infection with Plasmodium berghei, a rodent malaria parasite closely similar to Plasmodium falciparum. Sixteen male Wistar rats (130–174 g) were divided into four groups: control (uninfected), and three experimental groups infected with high (10⁶ iRBCs), medium (10⁴ iRBCs), and low (10² iRBCs) parasite doses, respectively. At the end of a 42-day experimental period, kidneys were harvested, processed, and examined histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results revealed dose-dependent renal pathology, with the high infection group showing a tendency of marked glomerular hypertrophy, tubular necrosis, vascular congestion, interstitial inflammatory infiltration, and hemosiderin casts, while moderate and mild changes were observed in the medium and low infection groups. Kidney weights however showed no significant increase in infected rats compared to controls, indicating parasitemia-related organomegaly. These findings demonstrate that malaria infection causes progressive, dose-dependent kidney damage characterized by glomerular and tubular injury, interstitial inflammation, and vascular alterations. In conclusion, malaria-associated nephropathy is a major complication of infection, and Plasmodium berghei-infected Wistar rats provide a
reliable model for studying malaria-induced renal dysfunction and for evaluating potential therapeutic interventions.

This study investigated the bioactive phytochemical constituents of Monodora myristica (African nutmeg) seed and shell extracts using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to validate their traditional medicinal uses and explore their therapeutic potential. Monodora myristica, a tropical tree of the Annonaceae family native to Sub-Saharan Africa, is valued for its culinary and medicinal properties, yet its shell remains underutilized. The study aimed to identify, characterize, and compare the phytochemical composition of hydroethanol extracts from the seed and shell, and to evaluate their possible applications in medicine, food preservation, and nutraceutical development. GC-MS analysis revealed 28 compounds in the seed extract and 15 in the shell extract. The seed extract contained linoelaidic acid (29.49%), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (26.97%), and (E)-9-octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (21.90%), known for antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. The shell extract was rich in (E)-9-octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (35.08%) and linoleic acid ethyl ester (22.21%), which possess strong pharmacological effects. These findings confirm the therapeutic potential of Monodora myristica, demonstrating that both seed and shell extracts are valuable sources of bioactive compounds. The study recommends further isolation, toxicity testing, and extraction optimization to support drug discovery and sustainable utilization.

The disruption of cardiovascular and renal function by environmental toxicants remains a major concern in toxicological research, particularly when such agents interfere with biochemical markers essential for assessing organ integrity. Among these toxic agents, exposure to sodium
arsenite poses a serious threat due to its ability to induce acute myocardial injury and impair renal filtration processes. This study evaluated the potential of vitamin E to counteract these toxic effects in male Wistar rats, focusing exclusively on validated clinical biomarkers of cardiac
and renal injury. Rats exposed to sodium arsenite (Group C) showed a pronounced rise in cardiac troponin (59.24 ± 3.8 pg/mL) and CK-MB (62.30 ± 2.1 U/L), indicating significant myocardial cell damage relative to the control group. The nephrotoxic impact was equally evident, as reflected by elevated serum urea (24.49 ± 1.8 mg/dL) and creatinine (1.98 ± 0.1 mg/dL), demonstrating impaired glomerular filtration and reduced renal functional capacity. Administration of vitamin E showed a clear dose-dependent protective effect. Rats receiving 25 mg/kg (Group D) and 50 mg/kg (Group E) of vitamin E along with sodium arsenite experienced significant reductions in cardiac troponin (48.65 ± 2.2 and 40.04 ± 2.9 pg/mL) and CK-MB
(41.17 ± 2.9 and 31.02 ± 1.2 U/L), indicating decreased myocardial damage. Renal biomarkers also improved, with urea decreasing to 16.08 ± 1.6 and 10.20 ± 1.7 mg/dL, and creatinine dropping to 1.08 ± 0.1 and 0.88 ± 0.1 mg/dL in Groups D and E, respectively. These results highlight vitamin E’s ability to protect both cardiac and renal functions despite ongoing toxic exposure. Overall, this study shows that vitamin E provides significant cardioprotective and
nephroprotective effects, mainly by normalizing key biomarkers of myocardial and renal dysfunction in rats exposed to sodium arsenite.

Dengue fever is endemic in Nigeria and remains a significant cause of misdiagnosed febrile illnesses, particularly in children. Despite rising Aedes mosquito populations in urban centers, limited data exists on dengue prevalence among pediatric populations in Benin City. This study's aim was to determine the prevalence of dengue virus infection among febrile children attending
various medical centers in Benin City, Nigeria. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 febrile children aged 1 month to 10 years attending selected healthcare facilities in Benin City. Socio-demographic data were collected using structured questionnaires. Blood samples were collected from each participants through sterile aseptic techniques and
dispensed into plain containers. The samples were spun at 3000rpm for 5 minutes to obtain the serum. The overall prevalence of dengue virus IgM antibodies was 4.4% (7/160) among the study population. IgG antibodies prevalence of 3.1% (5/160) while both IgM and IgG antibodies coinfection of 0.6% (1/160) was obtained among the study population. Seroprevalence was highest among the 3-4 years age group, followed by 1-2 years age group with the lowest prevalence found in <11 months age group. Gender and Age did not significantly influence the prevalence of dengue virus antibodies among the study population. Use of mosquito nets and
water storage methods significantly influenced the prevalence of dengue virus seroprevalence among the study population though not statistically significant. This study reveals a notable prevalence of dengue virus infection among febrile children in Benin City, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic considerations and public health surveillance in pediatric fever management.

Ficus exasperata is a deciduous, dioecious medicinal plant of the Mulberry family, which is widely employed in traditional medicine due to its therapeutic and pharmacological properties. Despite its extensive medicinal application, there are very limited research on the effects of its ethanol leaf extract on the cerebrum. This study therefore, investigates the potential effects of the ethanol leaf extract on the structure and function of the cerebrum of adult Wistar rats. Thirty-five (35) adult Wistar rats, divided into: control, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose treatment groups. were treated with graded concentration of sand paper leaf extract (200mg, 400mg, 600mg, 800mg, 1000mg/kg body weight respectively), for a period of 30 days. Biochemical and histological analyses were then conducted to assess cerebral functions and structural changes. The result revealed administration of the ethanol leaf extract of Ficus exasperata, induced a dose-dependent increase in the body weight of Wistar rats, with higher doses producing a more significant effect. In addition, the extract exhibited minimal impact (p< 0.05) on cerebral oxidative stress markers e.g. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase GPX and Malondialdehyde (MDA). The extract also induced beneficial vasoactive changes including vasodilatation and increased blood circulation (active congestion), which decreased with increasing concentration of the sand paper leaf extract. The 200mg/kg body weight leaf extract had the most potent vasoactive effect, while the 1000mg/kg body weight extract had the least effect. However, the structural integrity of the neurons and neuroglia cells were sustained. Further studies are recommended to properly understand the mechanisms involved in its actions so as to ensure safe therapeutic use in humans.

Background/Purpose of the study: Lower extremity strength, quality of life and movement performance capacity are some of the clinical features that can be affected in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between these clinical features and their significance. Methods: A total of 167 male and female type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with age 65 years and above participated in this correlational study. Quality of life, movement performance capacity and lower extremity muscle strength (LEMS) of the participants were measured using WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, Short Physical Performance Battery and an improvised leg dynamometer respectively. Obtained data were summarized with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to analyze the relationship between LEMS and movement performance capacity, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test was used to analyze the relationship between LEMS and quality of life. All inferential analyses were performed at 0.05 alpha levels. Results: 90 (53.9%) of the respondents were female, 119 (71.3%) of the respondents were married. Right and left LEMS had significant positive correlation with QOL and movement performance capacity (ρ<0.001). There were positive significant relationships between movement performance capacity and the domains of WHOQOL; physical health (ρ<0.001), psychological (ρ<0.001), social relationships (ρ = 0.009) and environment (ρ<0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between lower extremity strength, quality of life and movement performance in patients with type 2 DM. Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Lower extremity strength, Quality of life, movement
performance capacity.

The relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and pediatric health outcomes represents a critical public health concern, particularly in developing nations. This study investigates the perceived association between SES and pediatric health conditions among residents of Ekosodin Community in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional descriptive research
design, data was collected from parents and guardians through structured questionnaires. The study found that a significant majority (78.7%) of respondents perceived a strong correlation between SES and pediatric health outcomes. Key findings revealed that limited access to
healthcare services, poor nutritional status, and inadequate preventive care were more prevalent among children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, factors such as parental education level and living conditions were identified as significant determinants of children's health status. Only 2.5% of respondents had health insurance coverage, highlighting substantial barriers to healthcare access. The study recommends implementing targeted health education programs, community-based initiatives, and policy reforms to address these disparities. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on SES-related health inequities and provide actionable insights for healthcare providers and policymakers working to improve pediatric health outcomes in resource-limited settings.

Recently, social attitude toward the use of marijuana has changed and some have been advocating for legalization of its use. In the same vein, there has been an increasing interest relating to the health risk associated with it and how it affects several organs in the human body including the liver which is a key metabolic organ of the body. The aim of this study was to determine the possible effects of marijuana consumption on liver function parameters. Sixty adult marijuana smokers and 60 age-matched non-marijuana/cigarette smokers were recruited in the study. Socio-demographic data were collected using structured questionnaire. Serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total protein (TP) and albumin were determined by spectrophotometric method. Data were compared using appropriate statistical tool. The results indicate that AST(42.4±8.67),ALT (41.67±14.15)andGGT (29.56±8.48) activities were significantly higher (p<0.05) in marijuana smokers than in nonsmokers (26.34±4.95 24.00±5.97, 14.91±3.36) respectively. Conversely, total protein and albumin concentrations were significantly lower (p<0.05) in marijuana smokers than non- smokers. Serum ALP activity was however not significantly different when compared with controls. Some 48/60 (80%) of marijuana smokers had AST values (44.8±8.44) above the upper limit of the reference range while 34/60 (56.7%) had GGT values (61.3±7.60) above upper limit of the reference range. Marijuana consumption may predispose individuals to liver injury independent of quantity consumed and duration of use therefore the public should aware of the liver health risk associated with marijuana consumption.