DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple measure of body fitness and a potential predictor of kidney health. This study explored the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and renal function parameters among 150 apparently healthy undergraduates aged 16–25 years at the University of Benin. Participants were carefully screened to exclude confounding conditions, and anthropometric measurements were taken. Venous blood samples were analyzed for serum creatinine, urea, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Data were processed using SPSS version 20. Results showed that 10.7% of participants were underweight, 81.3% had normal weight, 5.3% were overweight, and 2.7% were obese. Mean renal function values were within normal ranges, sodium: 138.21 ± 2.74 mmol/L, potassium: 3.87 ± 0.22 mmol/L, bicarbonate: 23.32 ± 1.61 mmol/L, Chloride: 98.33 ± 2.36 mmol/L, urea: 28.07 ± 6.08 mg/dL, creatinine: 0.84 ± 0.17 mg/dL, and eGFR: 112.84 ± 21.11 mL/min/1.73 m². There was no significant correlation between BMI and all renal parameters. In this study, BMI did not significantly influence renal function. The presence of overweight and obesity highlights the need for proactive health education, lifestyle counseling, and regular renal screening to prevent future kidney disease. The study concludes that BMI is not significantly correlated with serum creatinine, urea, electrolytes, or eGFR in this population and recommends larger, longitudinal research to assess long-term effects of elevated BMI on renal health.

Pericardial adipose tissues are combined fats from pericardial sac and surrounding external surfaces of the pericardium. Excess deposits often lead to cardiovascular disorders and other heart related diseases. There are claims that an herbal decoction called Aju Mbaise (a combination of medicinal plants wrapped as a combo pack) can be used to treat heart related diseases including obesity which affects many people world-wide. Despite the existing information on Aju Mbaise and its healing claims, there is ucity of scientific data on the effects on pericardial adipose tissues. Therefore, this study was to examine histopathology anges in pericardial adipose tissues of lard-palm kernel cake (L-PKC) diet-fed rats treated with Aju Mbaise herbal decoction. The specific objectives were to investigate the effects of the present herbal decoction on body weight, adiposity indices and lipid profile of experimental rats. Samples of fresh L-PKC were obtained from Uselu market, Benin City while Aju Mbaise was purchased online. Each component was identified and authenticated by an expert taxonomist in the University while voucher numbers were issued for each constituent. Sixteen (16) Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes, weighing (149-175g) were obtained from a research animal farm in Benin City. Animals acclimatized for 2weeks in Anatomy department University of Benin with ambient temperature 26±3°C), humidity (50% - 60%) and photoperiodicity (12:12hr). They were kept in clean steel gauzed cages and coconut husks used as beddings in a light and humid environment. Rats were fed on standard pellets and water provided adequately. Ethical approval (V.1034/40) was obtained from Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources while rats were used in compliance with laydown policies outlined in the Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. L-PKC diet was prepared consisting of 90% super feed, 8% pig fat, and 2% PKC mixed appropriately to make up 100%. Herbal decoction was prepared by placing 296g wrap of it in a clean pot while one (1L) litre of water was added and heated for 30minutes with a gas cooker according to producer’s recommendation. After cooking, it was cooled and filtered with a white sterile muslin cloth. The dark-brown decoction (filtrate) was refrigerated to avoid decay at 25°C. LD50 was conducted to ascertain the lethal dose that will serve as a guide in administering the required dosage. Experimental rats were divided into four (4) groups irrespective of sex, age and weight (n=4). Group A were untreated but received standard rats diet (SRD) and water. Group B was fed with 10% of L-PKC fat diet mixed with 90% SRD and water. Group C was fed 10% L-PKC mixed with 90% SRD and water, and administered 2.5mL/kg body weight of herbal decoction hile Group D was fed same way like Group C but treated with 5mL/kg of herbal decoction. Each rat was picked with a hand owel and treated orally for twenty eight (28) days at 2day intervals with a sterile syringe. Average weekly body eights of each rat were recorded with a digital electronic balance. In the end, all animals fasted overnight and were anaesthetized with chloroform. Rats were dissected using scalpel blade while pericardial adipose tissues from the epicardial and paracardial were excised including he myocardium and blotted individually with filter paper prior to grossing while relative tissue weights were recorded. Blood sample was collected from the cardiac region from each animal without anticoagulant with tab gel and centrifuged (BROADBENT, UK) at 3000 rpm for 5 min to obtain the serum content. Sera were stored at -20°C until it was eeded for fasting lipid profile using the chemical analyzer. Grossed samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formol saline and processed histologically (dehydrated with alcohol, cleared in xylene and impregnated with molten paraffin wax and embedded with the automatic embedding machine. Tissues were de-blocked and sectioned with a microtome at 3-5µ. Sections were stained using H&E method and viewed with the microscope at x10 and x40 magnifications. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test for multiple comparisons while p<0.05 was considered significant. The effect of the graded treatment (2.5mL/kg and 5mL/kg AJMD) on rats revealed a progressive increase in Group (C and D). All rats experienced increases in weights compared with Day 0 and there was no significant difference in weights within the study period. Total pericardial fat weight was increased in all groups but higher in group B (Lard-PKC). The same condition was seen in total pericardial index with no significant differences (p<0.05) in all pericardial weights. Organ weights in L- PKC (Group B) were higher when ompared with those in Group A. Those in Group C (L-PKC + 2.5mL/kg AJMD) decreased compared with Group B while Group D (L-PKC +5mL/kg AJMD) increased with no significant difference in the groups. Lipid profile analysis showed that there is a significant decrease in mean TC (mg/dL) p<0.001 between Group B and A, and between Group C and B. There was no significant difference in HDL and LDL while VLDL showed a significant difference (p<0.000) between Group A and D and between roup B 11 and C. Pericardial adiposity from Group A showed that ipocytes remained intact without distortions in histological architecture. Adipocytes sizes in Group B though appeared normal but bigger in sizes compared with control animals. Pericardial adiposity in Group C and D were normal but slightly reduced in roup D compared with other groups. Myocardium (Group A) owed normal histological architecture evident with an intact ranching muscle fibre. Group B showed evidence of ballooning of branching muscle fibres and nucleus. Group C and D were normal ith an intact fibre striation and nucleus. Therefore, Aju Mbaise decoction maintained histological integrity of the myocardium, lipid profile, including reduction in adipose tissue weights and adipocyte sizes of rats in this study. Further investigation from molecular perspectives should be considered to support the current claims.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the infectious agent that causes COVID-19, commonly
referred to as coronavirus illness. Chloroquine (CQ), Hydroxylchloroquine (HCQ),
Lopinavor/Retinavir (L/R), and other medications were tested for treating COVID-19 infection. Alcohol or phosphate functional group molecules are uncommon in lipids, which are esters of fatty acids that are soluble in organic solvents but insoluble in water. Triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol make up the lipid profile. The aim of the thesis is to ascertain and assess how prescribed medications for the management of COVID-19 infection affect albino rats' lipid levels. In total, 60 albino wistar rats were employed in this investigatigation. 6 were used as negative controls (given with water and feed only), while 54 were used as positive controls (administered with the medications). On the 29th day, blood samples were collected from the albino wistar rats into plain containers and serum were obtained for laboratory analysis of the lipid profile indices.. Version 27 of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) was used to analyze the study's data. For both tests and controls, the Standard Error of Mean was expressed as mean ± S.E.M. Additionally, an ANOVA was used to compare the results at a 95% confidence interval (P<0.05). Notably, the combination treatment containing Hydroxylchloroquine (HCQ), Ivermectin (IV), L/R (Lopinavir/Retinavir), Azithromycin (AZI), Zinc (Zn), and Selenium (Se) led to a significant decrease in HDL_c levels (P<0.05) and weight (P<0.05) compared to the control group. This was in addition to the notable reduction in total cholesterol (TC) levels (P <0.05) that HCQ showed. Additionally, compared to the control group, Chloroquine (CQ) showed significantly lower cardiac risk ratios (P<0.05) and atherogenic coefficients (P<0.05), suggesting a possible decrease in cardiovascular risk and atherogenic potential. Additionally, compared to the control group, the ydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment group showed significantly decreased cardiac risk ratios (P<0.05) and atherogenic coefficients (P<0.05). Nevertheless, the combination therapy with CQ, IV, L/R, AZI, Zn, and Se showed noticeably greater atherogenic coefficients and cardiac risk ratios. In conclusion, the study elucidated the various effects of the drugs on lipid profile, weight, cardiac risk ratio, and atherogenic coefficient. However, while both CQ and HCQ treatments led to significant weight gain, contrary to some findings, their mechanisms of action on weight regulation remain complex and warrant further investigation.

Urinary tract pathogens are increasingly resistant to conventional antibiotics, prompting interest in plant-derived bioactive agents. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antibacterial potential of Cinnamomum tamala bark extracts against selected clinical isolates. Dried bark samples were subjected to aqueous and ethanolic extraction, followed by phytochemical screening using GC–MS analysis. Antimicrobial activity was carried out using ditch plate and agar well diffusion methods, while minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined via agar dilution techniques. The ethanolic extract demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition, with zones of inhibition ranging from 8.25 ± 4.8 mm at 50 µg/mL to 21.75 ± 2.93 mm at 800 µg/mL, showing significant differences across concentrations (p = 0.034). The aqueous extract exhibited no effect at low concentrations but was active at higher concentration, producing inhibition zones up to 6.50 ± 3.77 mm, significantly different across groups (p < 0.001). MIC results indicated stronger activity for the ethanolic extract, particularly against E. coli (12.5 µg/mL), compared to the aqueous extract, which required higher concentrations (100–200 µg/mL) across organisms. Similarly, ethanolic MBC values ranged between 25–100 µg/mL, significantly lower than the consistent 200 µg/mL required for the aqueous extract. Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and phenols in both extracts, while saponins and glycosides were exclusive to the aqueous extract, and steroids and resins were unique to the ethanolic extract. GC–MS analysis identified major constituents including Squalene (21.13%), 9-Octadecenoic acid (17.62%), and 13-Octadecenal (16.89%) in the ethanolic extract, while the aqueous extract was dominated by 9-Borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (28.24%) and Cyclopropane derivatives (17.04%). These findings highlight the potent antibacterial efficacy of C. tamala ethanolic extract, particularly against E. coli, with activity linked to its terpenoid and fatty acid constituents. The results suggest that C. tamala may serve as a promising source of natural antimicrobials.

Annona muricata is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments; however, its safety profile on vital organs remains insufficiently documented. This study investigated the histopathological effects of Annona muricata leaf extract on the liver, kidney, testis, and ovaries of albino rats. Twenty-four healthy albino rats (180–200 g) were obtained from the Animal House, Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, and maintained under standard laboratory conditions. The animals were divided into four groups: Group A (control) received feed and distilled water, while Groups B, C, and D were administered 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract respectively via oral gavage for 28 days.

Annona muricata (soursop) is a tropical plant widely used in traditional medicine for various ailments, yet comprehensive safety data on its effects on vital organs remain limited. This research aimed to investigate the histopathological effects of Annona muricata leaf extract on liver, kidney, testis, and ovaries of albino rats. Twenty-four healthy albino rats weighing 180- 200g were procured from the Animal House of the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, and maintained under standard conditions with unrestricted access to feed and water. The rats were divided into four groups: Group A (control, n=2) received pelleted feed and distilled water; roup B (n=4) was administered 250mg/kg soursop extract; Group C (n=4) received 500mg/kg; and Group D (n=4) was given 1000mg/kg extract orally via gavage for one month. Following treatment, animals were euthanized, blood samples collected for biochemical analysis, and organs harvested for histopathological examination. Results revealed no significant changes in hematological parameters, liver function tests, or reproductive hormone levels across all groups (p > 0.05). However, kidney function analysis showed significant elevation in sodium (143±3.8 mEq/L) and chloride (107.3±0.5 mEq/L) levels in the highest dose group compared to controls (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed normal architecture in the control group organs. Groups B and C exhibited hepatic steatosis with microvacuolar degeneration, while Group D maintained normal liver histology. All kidney, testis, and ovary sections demonstrated preserved normal architecture across treatment groups. The findings suggest that Annona muricata leaf extract exhibits a complex dose-response relationship, with intermediate doses causing hepatic steatosis while higher doses appear protective. The preservation of reproductive organ integrity
and absence of significant biochemical toxicity support the traditional use of soursop, though careful dose optimization and electrolyte monitoring are recommended for therapeutic applications.

Sodium nitrate is used as a preservative in processed meats and poultry products across the country. Though, production of nitric oxide and nitrite may prevent various types of cardiovascular disease including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and stroke.
However,health concerns relating to cancer andleukaemia have not been ruled out. Therefore, this project was to examine histological changes inliver and kidney of white rats treated withsodium nitrate salt. Other objectives were to determine its
effects on liver enzymes, and electrolytes and urea.Twenty (20) in-bred white rats of both sexes, aged: 2-4 months and weighed 160-200g were randomly picked to form five (5) groups (n=4) labeled A to D as test while E served as control. Rats were
housed in plastic cages with saw dust as beddings and acclimatize for 2 weeksat temperature (25±5ºC), humidity (54-59%) and periodicity (12:12hrs) in a clean environment while Standard top feed® and water were provided regularly. Five gram
(5g) of nitrate salt was measured with a weighing balance into a sterile conical flask while 1L of distilled water was added with a standard measuring cylinder and agitated vigorously with the GFL shaker for 5minutes until all dissolved. Rats in groups A to
D were treated orally for 30days at 2days interval in this order: 5mg/kg, 10mg/kg, 15mg/kg and 20mg/kg body weight. Each rat was picked with a hand towel and administeredadequate dosages using the oro-gastric tube. After experimentation,
animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation while 4mL of blood was collected from the cardiac region for liver and kidney function test. The corresponding parameters were assayed with a spectrophotometer at varying wavelengths. The liver
and kidney were excised, grossedand processed histologically.Sections were cut at 3 5um and stained according to H&E method. Sections were examined using Swift(R) binocular microscope with an in built light system and photographed with an Olympus
photomicroscope. Data were presented as Means ± SD and analyzed with one way ANOVA and Duncan post hoc test whiletest of significance was set at p <0.05 withSPSS version 16. All animals showed signs of partial anorexia, dullness and
developed reduced activities but were pronounced in high dose treated rats (C and D) for the 30 days treatment. High dose treated ratslost more weight than those on lesser treatment regime while the control gained more weight. All parameters (K, Na, CL, HC03, urea and creatinine) for renal profile were within normal range. They were significantly expressed (P ≤ 0.003) across all groupsincluding liver function test (TB, CB, TP, ALB, AST, ALT and ALP)indices (P ≤ 0.05). No variation in colouration by
gross examination while and histopathology findings were in keeping with normal histology of the liver and kidney. From the results so far,sodium nitrate has no deleterious effects on histology of the visceral organs studied but daily intake abuse of
the salt particularly in a large concentration may be injurious to human health