DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY

Alcohol (ethanol) is a widely consumed psychoactive substance known to induce oxidative stress and gastrointestinal mucosal damage, particularly in the stomach. Chronic alcohol exposure generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disrupts mucosal integrity. M melatonin on alcohol-induced gastric toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Forty adult male Wistar rats (150–180 g) were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): control, melatonin only (5 mg/kg), alcohol only and melatonin plus alcohol. All treatments were administered orally via gavage for 28 days. After the exposure period, a weight test was done, and gastric tissues were harvested for histopathological analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with significance set at p<0.05. Alcohol induced ulceration in the mucosa of the stomach, and the ulcer induced was irregularly -shaped. The control group showed a normal gastric architecture, while the group given alcohol only exhibited disruption of the muscularis mucosa with the formation of a irregular-shaped ulcer. The group given alcohol and melatonin showed that melatonin attenuated the ulcerative lesion in the stomach, indicating that melatonin effectively resolved alcohol-induced gastric injury.

This study investigates whether the plant Gongronema latifolium can reduce anxiety (anxiolytic effect) and protect the brain from damage caused by exposure to manganese chloride in laboratory rats.Manganese, although essential in small amounts, becomes toxic when taken in excess. It can accumulate in the brain, leading to oxidative stress, neuronal injury, and behavioral changes such as anxiety and restlessness. Excessive exposure to manganese (Mn) has been associated with neurotoxicity, leading to anxiety-like behaviors due to oxidative stress and neuronal damage. Gongronema latifolium is a medicinal plant commonly used in African traditional medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective properties. The research evaluates how effective extracts of this plant are in preventing or reducing anxiety behaviors and brain damage caused by manganese.Wistar rats were exposed to manganese chloride and then treated with different doses of Gongronema latifolium. Their behavior was tested using standard models of anxiety such as the Elevated Plus Maze, Open Field Test, tail suspension test and string test. Brain tissues were later examined for structural and biochemical changes.The study found that Gongronema latifolium reduced anxiety-like behavior, improved antioxidant enzyme levels, and preserved brain structure — showing that it has both anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects. Forty-eight (48) adult Wistar rats of both sexes (n = 8 per group) with an initial mean weight of 100 ± 10 g were randomly divided into six groups. Group A served as the normal control and received distilled water; Group B received manganese chloride (10 mg/kg) to induce anxiety; Groups C and D were treated with manganese chloride plus Gongronema latifolium extract (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively); Group E received Gongronema latifolium (100 mg/kg) as a standard anxiolytic; and Group VI received Gongronema latifolium extract alone (200 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for the Gongronema latifolium and intraperitoneally for Manganese chloride for 28 comsecutives days. Neurobehavioral parameters were assessed using the Tail suspension test (TST) ,String Test, Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Open Field Test (OFT). Brain tissues were harvested for histological and biochemical analysis.Manganese exposure significantly (p < 0.05) increased anxiety-like behaviors, evidenced by reduced open-arm entries and time in the EPM and decreased central zone exploration in the OFT. Pre-treatment with Gongronema latifolium significantly ameliorated these effects in a dose-dependent manner, comparable to diazepam. In conclusion, Gongronema latifolium demonstrated potent anxiolytic and neuroprotective activities against manganese-induced neurotoxicity through antioxidant and neurorestorative mechanisms. These findings suggest its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing anxiety disorders associated with heavy metal neurotoxicity.

Caffeine is a commonly ingested psychoactive substance classified under the methylxanthine group and acts primarily as a central nervous system stimulant. It occurs naturally in beverages and foods such as coffee, tea, cocoa-based products, and numerous energy formulations. Although moderate consumption promotes wakefulness and diminishes tiredness, excessive exposure has been implicated in adverse gastrointestinal outcomes, particularly affecting gastric integrity. This investigation evaluated the impact of graded caffeine administration on the gastric structure and functional indices of adult Wistar rats. A total of twenty adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups. The control group (Group A) received distilled water, whereas Groups B, C, and D were administered caffeine at doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg body weight respectively for a duration of 21 days. Following the treatment period, the animals were humanely sacrificed, and gastric tissues were harvested for histopathological assessment using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining techniques. Morphometric parameters including body weight, gastric weight, and gastrosomatic index were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis. Findings demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight in all groups relative to baseline values, though weight gain was comparatively reduced in the higher-dose cohorts. Elevated stomach weights and gastrosomatic index values were observed in Groups C and D, suggesting inflammatory changes. Microscopic evaluation revealed preserved gastric histoarchitecture in the control and low-dose groups, whereas the highest dose group (200 mg/kg) exhibited superficial mucosal erosion, vascular congestion within the gastric wall, and submucosal vasodilatation, indicating dose-related gastric injury. Overall, the study establishes that caffeine induces dose-dependent morphological alterations in the gastric tissue of adult Wistar rats. Excessive intake was associated with inflammatory and erosive changes, underscoring the potential gastric risks of high caffeine consumption and supporting moderation in dietary intake.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used synthetic chemical found in food packaging, medical devices, and other products.BPAhas been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, alter brain structure, and impair learning and memory, even at low doses.The aim of this study investigated the effects of BPA on the hippocampus of Wistar rats. The rats were divided into three groups,group A which is the (control)was given 1ml distilled water,Group B was administered 5mg/kg BPA,Group C was administered 10mg/kg BPAfor 28 days.At the end of the 28-day administration period, the rats were weighed, sacrificed via cervical dislocation, and their skulls opened to harvest the brain. The brain weights was taken and the hippocampus was carefully detached, placed in a sample bottle, fixed in 10% buffered formalin and were processed according to the method of Drury and Wallington (1980) for Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and the parameters accessed include hippocampal antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH), MDA concentration and the histology of the hippocampus using Haematoxylin and Eosin staining technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS/IBM statistical package version 20. Results obtained showed no significant change (p<0.05) in the initial body weight, final body weight and weight change of rats across experimental groups. No significant change (p<0.05) was observed in the cerebral
and relative cerebral weight of rats across experimental groups. However, a significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in hippocampus SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH activity of rats in group C (10 mg/kg bw BPA) when compared to control. A significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in MDA concentration of rats in group B (5 mg/kg bw BPA) and C (10 mg/kg bw BPA) when compared to control. Histological findings revealed normal archictecture of the hippocampus in group A, whereas dark shrunken neuronal cell bodies with deeply stained pyknotic nuclei and vacoulations were seen in the granular cells of rats in group B and C. In conclusion, findings from this study shows that BPA induced neurotoxic effect on the hippocampus via inducing oxidative stress and altering the architectural integrity of the hippocampus.

This study examined the influence of sex, age, ethnicity, diet, on Body Mass Index (BMI) among residents of Evbobike community, Ekenwan town, Edo State, Nigeria. Two Hundred and Fifty (250) participants were assessed, consisting of twenty-four (130) males and twenty-six (120) females across different ethnic groups including Bini, Esan, Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani, Igbo, Urhobo, and Fulani. Height and weight were measured using standard anthropometric methods, and BMI was calculated as weight (kg) divided by the square of height (m²). The majority of individuals falling within the WHO-defined normal range(55.2%). , The mean BMI of males was significantly higher than of the females (p = 0.03770 < 0.05), this demonstrate a statistical sexual dimorphism in BMI within the Evbobike community in Evbobike both sexes appeared equally exposed to nutritional determinants such as diet and lifestyle. However,males showed greater with cases of both severe underweight . The Hausa , Bini and Esan ethnic groups now have significantly higher BMI values. The p-value = 0.013 (< 0.05) indicates that BMI difference across are statistically significant. The BMI increases steadily across age groups, the p value is <0.05, which indicate statistical significance difference in BMI across age groups. Older participant have higher BMI on average. The distribution 7.6% underweight, 55.2% normal, 25.2% overweight, and 12% obese illustrates a double burden of malnutrition. The coexistence of underweight and obesity within the same community is a hallmark of nutritional transition, where food insecurity exists alongside increased consumption of calorie-dense diets.In conclusion, this study provides clear evidence that age, gender and race are significant factors influncing BMI in the studied population The findings call for integrated interventions addressing nutrition, lifestyle, and economic realities to promote healthier BMI distribution in the community.

Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) is a tropical evergreen tree commonly used as a culinary spice and traditional remedy for its stimulant, carminative, and antioxidant properties. Its seeds contain phytochemicals such as myristicin, elemicin, safrole and eugenol which possess both beneficial and potentially toxic effects. Although nutmeg is widely consumed, high or prolonged intake has been linked to renal toxicity mediated by oxidative imbalance. This study investigated the effects of aqueous Myristica fragrans seed extract on renal function, oxidative stress biomarkers, and kidney histoarchitecture in adult Wistar rats. Twenty adult Wistar rats weighing were divided into four groups [A,B,C,D] where group A [serves as Control] receives animal feed [grower mash] with distilled water for 28 days while groups B, C and D were administered with 200mg/kg, 750mg/kg and 1000mg/kg respectively of the aqueous extract of Myristica fragrans for 28days. An Orogastric tube was used for daily administration of the extract to the rats. Rats were sacrificed on the 29th day. Upon sacrifice, renal function was assessed using serum urea and creatinine levels, oxidative stress was evaluated via markers like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and structural integrity was examined through histopathological analysis of kidney tissues. The results shows that the aqueous Myristica fragrans extract exerts dose-dependent renal alterations encompassing biochemical, oxidative, and histological dimensions. While low-dose exposure initiates mild oxidative and vascular stress, higher doses lead to significant renal dysfunction characterized by elevated urea, antioxidant depletion and lipid peroxidation. Histopathological examination revealed a dose-dependent progression of injury from normal architecture in the control group to mild degenerative changes (swelling and congestion) at 200mg/kg, advancing to perivascular fibrosis (scarring) at 750mg/kg, and culminating in severe, active peritubular inflammatory infiltrates at the highest dose of 1000mg/kg. The findings underscore the importance of dose regulation and controlled use of Myristica fragrans in traditional and dietary applications, as chronic or excessive intake may compromise renal health despite its known therapeutic potential.

Excessive exposure to Manganese chloride (MnCl2) has been shown to induce neurotoxicity, particularly within the cerebellum, due to oxidative stress and neuronal degeneration. The cerebellum’s high metabolic activity and synaptic density make it especially vulnerable to heavy metal accumulation and oxidative injury.Gongronema latifolium (Utazi leaf), a tropical West African herb rich in flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in experimental studies. This study was aimed at investigating the neuroprotective effects of aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium against Manganese chloride induced cerebellar toxicity in adult wistar rats. Forty-eight (48) adult wistar rats were used in this study. They were randomly divided into six groups (n=8) and treated for 28 days as follows: Group A served as control and received 1mL of distilled water, Group B received 10mg/kg of Mncl2, Group C received 100mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium and 10mg/kg of Mncl2, Group D received 200mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium and 10mg/kg of Mncl2, Group E received 100mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium and rats in Group F received 200mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium. Administration of aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium was done orally, using an orogastric tube while the administration of Manganese chloride was done via intraperitoneal injection for 28 days respectively. At the end of administration, the neurobehavioral activity was evaluated using the open field and Y-maze tests. The rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the organ (cerebellum) was harvested. This organ was further analyzed for antioxidant enzymes activity, lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes. Graphpad prism softaware was used for all statistical analysis and data was expressed as mean with standard error of mean (SEM). Results obtained showed no significant change (p> 0.05) in the initial body weight and final body weight. A significant decrease (p< 0.05) was observed in the weight change of rats in group B ( 10mg/kg b.wt of Mncl2) when compared to control, however a significant increase was observed in the weight change groups of C and D when compared to B. No significant change (p> 0.05) was observed in the cerebellar and relative cerebellar weight of rats across experimental groups. A significant decrease (p< 0.05) was observed in cerebellar SOD, CAT, GPx AND GSH activity of rats in group B (10mg/kg b.wt. MnCl2)when compared to the control. However, a significant increase (p< 0.05) was observed in cerebellar SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH activity of rats in group C and D when compared to group B. A significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in MDA concentration of rats in group B (10mg/kg b.wt. MncCl2) when compared to control. However, a significant decrease was observed in group C and D when compared to B. Histological anaylsis revealed cerebellar degeneration in rats exposed to Mncl2. However, administration of aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium mitigated the adverse effects induced by manganese chloride. In conclusion,findings from this study shows that Gongronema latifolium leaf
extract mitigated cerebellar damage caused by MnCl2 exposure.

Gastric damage is a common phenomenon in this part of the world, with about 70%–80% of the population having this issue. These have raised major concerns among experts in the medical field. The project “Investigating the Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Camellia sinensis on Arsenic-Induced Gastric Damage in Adult Wistar Rats” aims to investigate the protective effects of aqueous leaf of camellia sinensis in arsenic-induced stomach damage in adult wistar rats. This study is an experimental research design that involves the use of 30 adult wistar rats, which were randomly divided into six groups (A-F). Group A served as the control group, Group B (Arsenic only), Group C (Arsenic+ Omeprazole), Group D(Arsenic+ low dose of extract), Group E(Arsenic+ high dose of extract) and Group F(Arsenic and left to recover). The rats were given water and feed ad libitum only for 14 days for acclimatization. Thereafter, the five treatment groups were given arsenic trioxide (10mg/kg) orally for 14 days to induce gastric damage. Group B rats were sacrificed for pilot study. Group C received Omeprazole(500mg/kg) for 28 days, Group D was administered low dose of the extract(250mg/kg) for 28 days, Group E received a high dose of the extract 500mg/kg) for 28 days also while the last group was left to recover without administering any extract and thereafter sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The results showed that rats treated with arsenic only had statistically significant decrease in body weight compared to the control group while the rats treated with camellia sinensis (250mg/kg) had statistically significant increase in weight compared to the rats in Group B. The rats in Group B had statistically significant decrease in organ weight compared to the control group. Group D had a significant increase in the organ weight compared to Group B. The antioxidant result showed a significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase and gluthaione peroxidase level and a significant decrease in malondialadehyde level in Group C, D and E. The histology results showed crater-shaped ulcers in the rats given arsenic toxin only. Normal mucosal lining was seen in the control group as well as in those given arsenic with omeprazole (the standard anti-ulcer drug). The rats given low and high doses of camellia sinensis showed pitting mucosal lining, with those given low doses having better ameliorative effects compared to those given high dose. The last group (reversal group), which were given only arsenic and left to recover, showed severe mucosal erosion. In conclusion, the research findings suggest that camellia sinensis (green tea) has the potential to mitigate arsenic-induced gastric damage in adult wistar rat.

Considered a hazardous environmental contaminant, lead acetate exhibits toxic properties known to impair male reproductive function through oxidative stress and disruption of spermatogenesis. Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) contains antioxidant and bioactive compounds that may protect against heavy-metal–induced testicular injury. The objective was to evaluate whether ethanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus ameliorates lead acetate– induced testicular damage in adult male Wistar rats. Thirty (30) adult male Wistar rats were randomized into six groups (A–F, n = 5 per group) and treated for 56 days. Treatments included control, lead acetate (100 mg/kg body weight), 1000mg/kg body weight of extract, 2000mg/kg body weight of extract, 1000mg/kg body weight of extract and 100mg/kg body weight of lead acetate and 2000mg/kg body weight of extract and 100mg/kg body weight of lead acetate. Endpoints were epididymal sperm analysis (count, motility, viability, morphology), testicular weight, and histology (H&E); data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The administration of lead acetate induced substantial testicular damage, which was marked by reduced sperm counts, decreased survival rates, an upsurge in atypical cellular phenotypes, and diffuse seminiferous tubular atrophy with loss of germinal layers. Administration of Pleurotus ostreatus extract alone showed no histological abnormality and improved sperm indices. When given alongside lead acetate, the extract mitigated the toxic changes in a manner proportional to dose — with the 2000 mg/kg treatment delivering the greatest improvement in sperm parameters and largely normalizing seminiferous architecture. In conclusion the ethanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus exerted a dose-dependent protective effect, mitigating influence against lead acetate–mediated testicular damage in Wistar rat models. These findings justify further mechanistic studies and controlled translational research to assess the mushroom extract’s potential as a safe nutraceutical strategy for populations at risk of lead exposure.

BACKGROUND – Malaria is still a huge problem at the moment. Given the growing resistance to orthodox drug, herbal extracts have plummeted in Nigeria. Vulnerable groups like under 5’s are most affected. Interestingly, end organ damage has also been on the increase. Hence, these concerns prompted this study.
AIM- The study aimed to determine the therapeutic and histo-morphological effects of
administration of “Agbo iba” multi-herbal extract.
METHODOLOGY – 42 Juvenile Wistar rats of different sexes, weighing an average of 97.5g, aged between 6-7weeks were assigned into 6 groups of 7 rats each(n=7). Phytochemical analysis was done on the extract as well as estimation of the LD50 prior to the study Group l was the negative control given only feeds and water, Group 2 (untreated group), 3, 4, 5 and 6 were the treated groups which were induced with Plasmodium berghei by injecting 0.2mls of diluted parasitized red blood cells intraperitoneally to the animals in these groups prior to treatment. Group 3(standard drug group), was treated thereafter with 0.6mls (6.72mg) of the constituted ACT twice daily for 3 days, while Group 4, 5 and 6( low, moderate and high dose groups), were given low dose (0.2ml), moderate dose (0.4ml) and high dose (0.6ml) of the extract respectively for one week. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the experiment and blood serum was obtained for microbiological and biochemical assay. The kidneys and liver were excised, weighed and fixed in 10% formol saline and prepared for light microscopy using the staining method for H & E. Data was presented as figures and tables, and subjected to statistical analysis.
RESULT-The standard drug group had a 90% clearance of parasiteamia compared to the herbal drugs with a clearance ranging from 60 to 85%. The results showed a decrease in ALT which was statistically significant (p< 0.05) in the untreated group compared to the control and treated group .The result also showed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) of ALT in the group with higher doses of the extract compared to the control. Similarly, serum AST was significantly decreased in the standard drug and low dose groups and bilirubin was significantly decreased across the six groups, when compared to the control( p<0.05). Furthermore serum urea was significantly increased in the high dose group. When compared to the control (p<0.05).The untreated group had a significantly increased liver weight compared to the control. Histologically group l (control) had normal findings, group 2(untreated group) showed histopathological changes in the liver which revealed marked sinusoidal congestion, peri-portal infiltrates and hemozoin pigments in malaria infection which reduced to different degrees in group 3,4,5 and 6 on treatment with the standard drug and increasing concentrations of the herbal drug extract respectively, though not dose dependent.
CONCLUSION- The ‘Agbo iba’marketed in Benin City has some anti-plasmodial activity that was somewhat comparable to the orthodox drug though not dose dependent and not as effective as the orthodox drug. There was however no significant damage to the vital organs with use of the herbal drug