DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY

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

Cerebellar dysfunction (CD), via oxidative stress, is an established effect of lead (Pb), a known heavy metal, even at low exposure. Tetrapleura tetraptera (T. tetraptera) fruit exhibits various pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study investigated the activity of aqueous T. tetraptera fruit extract against lead acetate (PbA)-induced CD in Wistar rats. Sixty-eight Wistar rats were assigned to eight groups (n=8) and treated for twenty-eight days as follows: Groups A (control); B (100 mg/kg body weight (bw) of PbA; C (500 mg/kg bw of T. tetraptera and 100 mg/kg bw of PbA); D (1000 mg/kg bw of T. tetraptera and 100 mg/kg bw of PbA); E (200 mg/kg bw of Vitamin E and 100 mg/kg bw of PbA); F, G and H (500 mg/kg of T. tetraptera, 1000 mg/kg of T. tetraptera, and 200 mg/kg bw of Vitamin E), respectively. Subsequently, weights, neurobehavior, Pb concentration, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and cerebellar histology were assessed. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to identify phenolic compounds in T. tetraptera, and in-silico studies evaluated the binding interaction of some of the identified phenolic compounds (4-hydroxybenzoic acid and Resorcinol) to markers of apoptosis (caspase-3), inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α, and Nf-κB), and oxidative stress (NRF2). A significant decrease (p<0.05) in weights and antioxidant enzymes, as well as a significant increase (p<0.05) in neurobehavioral deficits, lipid peroxidation, Pb concentration, and alterations in cerebellar histoarchitecture were observed in the PbA-exposed rats when compared to control. However, co-treatment of PbA-exposed rats with T. tetraptera significantly attenuated (p<0.05) these PbA-induced effects. Additionally, in-silico studies revealed a high binding affinity of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and Resorcinol to caspase-3, IL-6, TNF-α, Nf-κB, and NRF2, thus suggesting possible anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of T. tetraptera. This study provides research evidence suggesting that T. tetraptera has the potential for further development as a therapeutic agent against CD.

Environmental toxicants, such as arsenic, pose significant health risks, particularly to vital organs like the kidneys. As key organs responsible for filtration and detoxification, the kidneys are especially vulnerable to the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by arsenic exposure. Inorganic arsenic, a highly toxic form found in contaminated water, food, and soil, accumulates in kidney tissues, leading to cellular damage, impaired function, and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease and other renal disorders. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by arsenic disrupts cellular homeostasis, damages mitochondrial function, and triggers proinflammatory responses, exacerbating kidney injury. Nutrient-rich foods like Persea americana offer a potential protective strategy against arsenic-induced kidney damage. Persea americana are abundant in antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and unsaturated fatty acids that combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and enhance cellular resilience. These bioactive compounds help neutralize ROS, improve mitochondrial
function, and mitigate arsenic's toxic effects on kidney tissues, supporting overall renal health and function. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Persea americanaon arsenic-induced kidney damage in fully-grown Wistar rats. Thirty (30) fully-grown Wistar rats were used weighing between 130g and 150g. They were grouped into six groups (A, B, C, D, E, and F). The rats in Group A served as the control, and the rats in Group B were administered10mg/kg of Arsenic Trioxide, the rats in Group C were administered 140mg/kg body weight ofSilymarin and 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide, the rats in Group D were administeredwith125mg/kg of Persea americana and 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide, the rats in Group Ewere administered with 250mg/kg of Persea americana and 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide and the rats in Group F were administered with 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide for 14 days and allowed to recover. The administration period spanned 28 days after which they were sacrificed and the kidneys harvested were collected for biochemical and histological assessments. Results showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the kidney weight, and Reno-somatic index across the experimental groups, there was a significant decrease in the weight of the group treatedwith10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide compared to the control group. In the case of the oxidative stress parameters arsenic, caused a is significant decrease in SOD, and GPX activities and a significant
increase in MDA activities when compared with control while treatment group was able to reverse these significant changes except for the recovery group. For the urea and creatinine level, there was a significant increase in the groups given 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide and the group that was given 10mg/kg of arsenic trioxide and left to recover. The other groups had no significant difference in the urea and creatinine level when compared to the control group. Inconclusion, this study suggests that Persea americana provides protection against arsenic trioxide-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Reports indicate that cerebellar disorders are induced by exposure to heavy metals, such as Mercury, via oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and Purkinje cell apoptosis, thus disrupting motor coordination and cognitive processing. Catechin (CA), a flavonoid in green tea, exhibits antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a potential therapeutic agent against heavy metal toxicity. This study investigated the activity of catechin in the cerebellum of Wistar rats exposed to Mercury chloride. Sixty-four Wistar rats were randomly assigned into eight groups (n=8), and treated for twenty-eight days, as follows; A (control), B (5 mg/kg body weight [bw] of mercury chloride [HgCl2]), C (10 mg/kg bw of CA and HgCl2), D (20 mg/kg bw of CA and HgCl2), E (200 mg/kg bw of Vitamin E and HgCl2), F (10 mg/kg bw of Catechin only), G (20 mg/kg bw of Catechin only) and H (200 mg/kg bw of Vitamin E only). Thereafter, weights, neurobehavioral activities, mercury concentration, antioxidant enzymes activity, lipid peroxidation, and histology of the cerebellum were assessed. In-silico studies were utilized to investigate multi-targeted protective potential of catechin, by assessing its interactions with key mediators of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Findings showed that HgCl₂ treatment significantly decreased (p<0.05) body weight and antioxidant enzymes, while significantly increasing (p<0.05) lipid peroxidation, mercury concentration, and neurobehavioral deficits, with cerebellar histology revealing Purkinje cell alterations, vacuolations, and pyknotic nuclei. Conversely, groups pre-treated with CA showed an attenuation of the HgCl2-induced adverse effects. In-silico results showed catechin bound more strongly to Nrf2, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-ĸB, and Caspase-3 than amantadine and riluzole, highlighting its multi-targeted antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic potential.
This study highlights catechin as a safe, natural therapeutic for HgCl2-induced cerebellar disorder, offering a promising alternative to conventional drugs with fewer side effects Furtherstudies exploring the translational application of catechin in clinical trials are recommended

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since the beginning of the epidemic, approximately ninety-one million four hundred thousand people have been infected with HIV, and about forty-four million one hundred thousand have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Globally, in 2024, forty million eight hundred thousand people were living with HIV, six hundred thirty thousand people died from AIDS-related illnesses, and one million three hundred thousand people were newly infected with HIV. Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/ Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) is one of the therapeutic regimens used in the management of HIV infection. This study assessed the effects of TLD on the histomorphometric and reproductive parameters of the ovary, uterus, and placenta of adult Wistar rats. A total of fifty adult female Wistar rats, weighing between 140 g and 194 g, were used for the study. The rats were randomly assigned to control and treated groups, consisting of twenty-five rats, and were further subdivided into five subgroups of five rats each. Both groups received growers mash and distilled water; however, the treated group was administered a daily oral dose of a combination drug consisting of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (5 mg/kg body weight), Lamivudine (5 mg/kg body weight), and Dolutegravir (0.8 mg/kg body weight) via an orogastric tube. After ninety days of TLD administration, animals with regular four-day estrous cycles were weighed and mated. The animals were categorized into pregestational, gestational, and postnatal groups. The pregestational group was used to evaluate the effects of TLD on antioxidant status, hormonal profile, and histomorphometry of the ovary and uterus. The gestational group was used to assess implantation/resorption, and placenta parameters, while the postnatal group was used to evaluate litter size, litter weight, intrauterine and neonatal death, growth retardation, and congenital anomalies. This study reveals that TLD treatment resulted in a significant decrease in body weight (p < 0.05) but did not significantly affect ovarian, uterine weights and uterine horn length (p > 0.05). Ovarian antioxidant status showed no significant changes; however, the uterus exhibited reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activities. The placenta showed significantly reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Serum testosterone levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in litter number, implantation sites, or number of placenta (p > 0.05). However, litter size and placenta weights were significantly reduced, with evidence of intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight. Histological findings revealed impaired follicular maturation characterized by atretic follicles, follicular and luteal cysts, narrowing of the endometrial cavity, and thickened endometrium in the treated group. Additionally, dilation, congestion, and vacuolation of the feto-maternal vascular bed were observed. In conclusion, TLD exerted notable adverse effects on reproductive parameters in female Wistar rats, suggesting the need for caution in its use among women of reproductive age

Bilateral orchidectomy is a surgical procedure usually carried out for males with prostate cancer and other diseases affecting both testes. This study was carried out to observe the effect of bilateral orchidectomy on the gonadotropin hormones, (LH, FSH), PRL and the steroid hormones, (Progesterone, Testosterone and Oestrogen). Ten (10) male Wistar rats were used for the experiment. The rats were divided into two experimental groups: 1- control (Co) (n=5), 2 - Treatment group (Tr) (n=5). The rats in the treatment group were bilaterally orchidectomized under chloroform anaesthesia. The rats were sacrificed after 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the IVC and assayed for LH, FSH, Prolactin, Progesterone, Testosterone and Oestrogen hormones. The study showed that bilateral orchidectomy increased serum levels of LH and FSH concentrations (3.247±0.152 and
1.177±0.039) which were statistically significant (p<0.05). There was no change in the serum level of Prolactin (p>0.05). However there was statistically significant decrease (p<0.05) in the serum concentrations of Progesterone, Testosterone and Oestrogen. This study showed that bilateral orchidectomy increased serum level of LH and FSH, the two hormones principally required for stimulating Testosterone production and spermatogenesis respectively. The sex steroids, Progesterone, Testosterone and Oestrogen were decreased. Testosterone is needed for spermatogenesis and in conjunction, FSH results in spermiation. The decrease in testosterone therefore may lead to infertility in the castrated rats.

Carbon tetrachloride is a colorless, highly volatile liquid with a sweetish odor similar to chloroform used in refrigerants, propellants and industrial solvents. CCl4 is rapidly absorbed via oral, inhalation and dermal routes, distributing to the brain and other organs. It has been reported that CCl4 can metabolize to give out free radicals inducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation which can ultimately alter brain structure, and impair learning and memory, even at low doses. This study was aimed at invest gating the effect of CCl4 on the cerebrum of adult Wistar rats. Eighteen adult Wistar rats weighing 140 g to 150 g were used in this study. They were randomized into three (3) groups of six (6) rats each. Group A served as the control and received 1ml of di tilled water daily to compensate for stress of administration, whereas, rats in group B received 1.5mg/kg body weight of CCl4 and group C received 3mg/kg body weight of CCl4. All administration intraperitoneally lasted for a period of 28 days. The body weights of the rats were recorded daily. After the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the organ (cerebrum) weight was recorded. The parameters accessed include cerebral antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH), MDA concentration and the histology of the cerebrum 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 of rats across experimental groups. However, a significant decrease (p<0.05) in final body weight and weight change of rats in group B (1.5 mg/kg bw CCl4) and C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. No significant change (p>0.05) was observed in the cerebral weight of rats across experimental groups. However, a significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in relative cerebral weight of rats in group B (1.5 mg/kg bw CCl4) and C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. A significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in cerebral SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH activity of rats in group C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. A significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in MDA concentration of rats in group B (1.5 mg/kg bw CCl4) and C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. Histological findings revealed normal archictecture of the cerebrum in group A, whereas cytoplasmic vacoulizaion were seen in the granular cells of rats in group B and C. In conclusion, findings from this study shows that CCl4 induced neurotoxic effect on the cerebrum via inducing oxidative stress and altering the architectural integrity of the cerebrum.

Exposure to industrial dust has been linked to respiratory and systemic toxicity. Ceramics dust, a common occupational contaminant, contains particulate matter that may induce structural and biochemical alterations. This study aimed to investigate the histological changes in the larynx and some haematological and biochemical parameters in adult Wistar rats following exposure to ceramics dust. Twenty-four (24) adult Wistar rats with weight ranging from 120–200g were grouped into four groups (A, B, C and D). The rats in Group A served as the control, the rats in Groups B were exposed to 5g of ceramics dust (low dose), the rats in Group C were exposed to 10g of ceramics dust (medium dose) and the rats in Group D were exposed to 20g of ceramics dust (high dose) for a duration of 1 hour daily for 30 days. At the end of the exposure period, rats were sacrificed, laryngeal tissues harvested for histological assessment, and blood samples collected for haematological and biochemical analyses, including RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, urea, creatinine, and bicarbonate levels. Histology revealed dose-dependent inflammatory infiltration in exposed groups. Haematological analysis showed dose-dependent decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit, with a more significant decrease in the WBC count of the high dust exposure (20g) when compared with the control group. Biochemical assessment indicated elevated urea levels and decreased bicarbonate levels, suggesting renal and systemic effects of ceramics dust. These findings indicate that ceramics dust exposure causes structural damage to the larynx and alters some haematological and biochemical parameters in Wistar rats. The study underscores the potential health risks of occupational ceramics dust exposure and highlights the need for protective interventions in industrial settings.

The increasing recreational use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "ecstasy") among women of reproductive age raises critical concerns regarding fertility and pregnancy outcomes. This study investigated the reproductive and developmental toxicity of MDMA in adult female Wistar rats, focusing on hormonal regulation, oxidative stress, histopathology, and gestational effects following pre-gestational and gestational exposure. A total of 140 Wistar rats (120 females, 20 males) were assigned to pre-gestational (Category A) and gestational (Category B) protocols. Treated groups received oral MDMA at 80 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg, while controls received distilled water. Serum levels of FSH, LH, PRL, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone were measured alongside oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, GPx, MDA) and histological analyses of the pituitary, ovaries, and uterus. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with LSD post hoc test (p < 0.05).
MDMA induced dose-dependent reductions in body and reproductive organ weights, likely due to serotonergic suppression of appetite, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Hormonal assays revealed significant disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, including reduced LH (p = 0.02), elevated estradiol (p = 0.00), and progesterone (p = 0.05). A biphasic testosterone response was observed: reduced in the 80 mg/kg group (0.48 ± 0.00 ng/mL vs. 1.12 ± 0.14 ng/mL in controls) and elevated in the 160 mg/kg group (1.48 ± 0.09 ng/mL; p = 0.00), suggesting dysregulation of androgen synthesis via theca cell dysfunction or disrupted HPG feedback. Reproductive outcomes mirrored endocrine alterations. Pre-gestational exposure reduced conception rates (100% in controls vs. 20% and 0% in treated groups). Gestational exposure impaired implantation, fetal viability, and growth, leading to increased resorptions, intrauterine growth restriction, stillbirths, and postnatal abnormalities. Biochemical assays revealed dose-dependent suppression of antioxidant enzymes and altered lipid peroxidation, indicating oxidative damage in ovarian and uterine tissues.
Histopathological evaluation showed progressive degeneration: the pituitary exhibited chromophobe predominance and vacuolation; ovaries showed follicular atresia, degeneration, and vascular injury; and uterine tissues demonstrated glandular atrophy, edema, inflammation, and myometrial disruption. These structural changes aligned with the observed biochemical and hormonal abnormalities. In conclusion, MDMA exposure before or during pregnancy disrupts female reproductive function in a dose-dependent manner. It impairs fertility, alters endocrine signaling, induces oxidative stress, and causes tissue-specific toxicity, with profound consequences for implantation and fetal development. These findings reinforce the public health risks of MDMA use during reproductive years and the need for targeted reproductive toxicology awareness.

Lead exposure is thought to be harmful and has been linked to behavioral abnormalities, hearing deficiencies, neuromuscular weakness, and decreased cognitive abilities in humans. Flavonoids have beneficial biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antiviral, anticarcinogenic effects. Flavonoids are the most recognised phytochemicals that function as antioxidants. Flavonoids' antioxidant activity includes suppressing ROS generation by inhibiting enzymes, scavenging free radicals, and regulating antioxidant defenses. Rutin is a typical dietary flavonoid that is nontoxic and naturally derived. It has a variety of beneficial biological properties including anti-cancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, haematoprotective, anti-arthritis, anthelmintic effects. Accordingly, this study was designed to investigate the possible attenuative effects of Rutin on lead-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats. After purchase and acclimatization, the Wistar rats were weighed and divided into six equal groups (control and treatment groups). Group A (Control) was administered 1 ml dH2O/day. Group B (Pb) was administered 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) of Pb acetate only. Group C (RUT1 + Pb) was administered 50 mg/kg BW of Rutin and 100 mg/kg BW of Pb acetate. Group D (RUT2 + Pb) was administered 100 mg/kg BW of Rutin and 100mg/kg of Pb acetate. Group E (RUT1) was administered 50 mg/kg BW of Rutin only and Group F (RUT2) was administered 100mg/kg BW of Rutin only. The administration, via an orogastric tube, lasted for 28 days and rats were fed with standard rat chow and had free access to water throughout the entire study period. All Rutin administration pre-treatment were done one hour before Lead. Animals were weighed and neurobehavioral activity (Novel object recognition test) was evaluated. The rats were then sacrificed for sample collection, and the hippocampus was harvested for assessment of antioxidant activity and histological alterations . The findings showed that the Pb group showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in final body weight (FBW) compared to the control and Rutin treated groups, which showed a greater FBW. Neurobehavioral findings revealed that rats in the Pb group had significantly lower neurobehavioral function when compared to Control and Rutin treated groups. The Pb alone groups demonstrated oxidative stress (low antioxidant activity and increased lipid peroxidation), whereas the Control and Rutin treated groups had significant increase (p<0.05) in antioxidant activity. Histological findings shows altered morphology with the presence of vacuoles and pyknotic nuclei in the CA1 region of the Pb treated group, however the pretreated groups showed a healthier tissue architecture when compared to lead only treated group. In conclusion, the findings showed that Rutin was not toxic to the animals and protected against Pb toxicity.