DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY

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

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