DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Anaemia is influenced by erythroferrone (ERFE), a regulator of hepcidin during stress erythropoiesis. Aluminium chloride induces anaemia through oxidative stress and impaired iron utilization. Icacina trichantha, a medicinal plant with reported haematopoietic and antioxidant effects, may modulate ERFE expression in anaemic conditions. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Icacina trichantha on ERFE gene expression in aluminium chloride-induced anaemia in albino Wistar rats. A total of sixty (60) adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into six (6) groups; A, B, C, D, E and F representing control, aluminium chloride group, ferrous sulphate group, aluminium chloride + 100 mg/kg Icacina trichantha extract, aluminium chloride + 200 mg/kg Icacina trichantha extract and aluminium chloride + 400 mg/kg Icacina trichantha extract respectively. Haematological parameters, blood cell morphology and mRNA ERFE expression were determined using haematology autoanalyzer, manual method and polymerase chain reaction respectively. Data obtained were analyzed by the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. The comparison of red blood cell parameters showed that red blood cell count (RBC) of groups C (7.65±0.21), D (8.18±0.06), E (7.84±0.31) and F (8.05±0.29) showed no significant difference when compared with groups A (8.09±0.12) and B (7.74±0.21) (p>0.05). Haemoglobin Concentration (g/dL) of groups C (15.06±0.36), D (15.5±0.22), E (15±0.59) and F (15.1±0.61) was not significantly different from groups A (15.33±0.24) and B (14.84±0.32) (p>0.05). Haematocrit (%) of groups C (44.46±0.99), D (45.1±0.73), E (44.32±1.46) and F (43.86±1.52) was not significantly different from groups A (44.88±0.78) and B (44.52±0.96) (p>0.05). Mean cell volume (MCV) of group F (54.64±0.96) was significantly lower than group C (58.22±0.49) (p<0.05), while no significant differences were observed in other groups. Mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) of group F (18.72±0.23) was also significantly lower when compared to group C (19.66±0.07) (p<0.05). Mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), RDW-SD, and RDW-CV showed no significant differences among the groups (p>0.05). Normochromatic and normocytic cells were moderately present in most groups (A, C, D, E), while Group B showed reduced levels with increased crenated cells. Group F demonstrated higher normocytic cell presence alongside mild crenation. Polychromatic cells were absent across all groups. Groups B showed significantly higher expression of RUNX1 when compared to groups A (p<0.05). Groups B showed significantly lower expression of ERFE when compared to groups A (p<0.05). Group C, D, E and F had significantly higher expression of ERFE when compared to group B (P<0.05). In conclusion, treatment with ferrous sulphate and varying doses of Icacina trichantha extract caused changes in red blood cell parameters and also improved ERFE expression, with the highest extract dose showing the greatest effect.

Reproductive health disorders are increasingly prevalent globally, necessitating investigation into natural therapeutic alternatives with fewer adverse effects. This research aimed to examine the histomorphological effects of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract on the reproductive organs of albino rats. Twenty-four healthy albino rats weighing 180-200g were used for the experimental study. The animals were procured from the Animal House of the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, and maintained under standard laboratory conditions with unrestricted access to pelleted feed and water ad libitum. The rats were divided into four groups: Group A served as the control (n=2), receiving only pelleted feed and distilled water for 30 consecutive days. Group B (n=4) was administered 250mg/kg body weight of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract orally via gavage along with standard feed and water for 30 days. Group C (n=4) received 500mg/kg body weight of the extract under similar conditions. Group D (n=4) was administered 1000mg/kg body weight of the extract following the same protocol. On the final day, blood samples were collected for hormonal analysis, and reproductive organs (testes, ovaries) were harvested, weighed, and fixed in 10% formal saline. Hematoxylin and eosin staining techniques were employed for histopathological examination under light microscopy. Hormonal levels (testosterone and progesterone) were determined using ELISA techniques. Results revealed significant changes in hematological parameters including decreased lymphocyte percentages (78.4±2.3% to 63.5±3.1%), increased neutrophil counts, and altered red blood cell indices across treatment groups. Body weight increased significantly in all treated groups compared to controls. Testicular weight showed significant increase in the highest dose group (Group D) compared to controls and Group B, while ovarian weights remained unchanged. Remarkably, testosterone and progesterone levels showed no significant alterations across all groups. Histopathological examination revealed preserved normal cellular architecture in both testicular and ovarian tissues across all treatment groups. Seminiferous tubules maintained normal morphology with healthy Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells at various maturation stages, while ovarian follicles demonstrated normal development. The findings provide compelling evidence that Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract preserves reproductive tissue integrity and hormonal homeostasis while producing systemic hematological changes. The maintenance of normal histoarchitecture in reproductive organs, coupled with stable hormonal profiles, suggests potential safety for reproductive health applications, supporting traditional medicinal claims. However, the observed hematological alterations warrant careful consideration for dosage optimization and monitoring protocols in clinical applications. Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract may offer a promising natural approach to reproductive health management with preserved organ function and minimal hormonal disruption.

Ionizing radiation from diagnostic imaging procedures has raised concerns regarding its potential biological effects, even at low doses. This study investigated the impact of diagnostic radiation exposure on mRNA expression of p53 and DIAP1 in Drosophila melanogaster. Healthy laboratory-reared flies (Harwich strain) were divided into five groups (n=100 per group): a control group (Group A), two X-ray–exposed groups (Group B, 0.1 Gy daily for 7 days; Group C, 0.1 Gy daily for 14 days), and two CT-exposed groups (Group D, 0.1 Gy daily for 7 days; Group E, 0.1 Gy daily for 14 days). Radiation exposure was performed under standardized laboratory conditions at the Biomedical Toxicology Chemicals Safety (BIOTOXCS) Research Laboratory, University of Benin. After exposure, flies were preserved in Trizol reagent for RNA extraction, followed by cDNA synthesis and semi-quantitative PCR analysis. Results showed a significant upregulation of p53 and DIAP1 mRNA expression in radiation-exposed groups compared to the control (p<0.05). Expression levels were dose- and duration-dependent, with Groups C and E (14-day exposures) exhibiting the highest increases. Gel electrophoresis and bar chart analyses further confirmed these findings, demonstrating progressive changes consistent with prolonged radiation stress. These results indicate that even low-dose diagnostic radiation can induce molecular alterations in stress- and apoptosis-related genes in Drosophila melanogaster. The study underscores the utility of Drosophila as a model organism for assessing radiation-induced genetic responses and highlights the need for further research into the implications of cumulative diagnostic radiation exposure.

Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) is a medicinal grass widely valued in ethnomedicine for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, with its bioactivity linked to essential oils, phenolics, and flavonoids. Although extensively used, there is limited comparative evidence on how solvent polarity influences the anti-inflammatory potential of its extracts. This study therefore evaluated the in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol (polar) and diethyl ether (non-polar) extracts of C. citratus in order to assess differences in solvent efficiency and bioactivity. Fresh leaves collected from the University of Benin were authenticated and extracted using standardized procedures, information was sourced from laboratory analyses combined with current literatures from PubMed, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. Extracts were tested in vitro for inhibition of protein denaturation, heat-induced haemolysis, antiproteinase activity, and lipoxygenase inhibition, with aspirin serving as the standard drug. Extraction yield was slightly higher for diethyl ether (1.72%) than for ethanol (1.56%). Both extracts exhibited concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory activity across all assays. In the protein-denaturation assay, ethanol extract inhibited 65.9% at 500 µg/ml while diethyl ether showed 69.4%, compared with 82.3% for aspirin. In the haemolysis test, ethanol recorded 61.7% and diethyl ether 58.4% inhibition, while aspirin reached 75.6%. Antiproteinase activity was 59.2% for ethanol and 56.8% for diethyl ether, against 70.4% for aspirin. Lipoxygenase inhibition was stronger in the diethyl ether extract (64.5%) than ethanol (60.1%), though both were lower than aspirin (78.2%). The findings confirm that C. citratus possesses measurable in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, supporting its traditional use in managing inflammation-related disorders. Solvent polarity was shown to influence the degree and spectrum of bioactivity, highlighting the importance of solvent selection in herbal preparation. However, the study was limited to in vitro models, two extraction solvents, and a single collection site. Future research should explore in vivo and clinical trials, and adopt advanced extraction techniques.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease of major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, with school-aged children at particular risk due to frequent water contact. The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among school children in Usen community, Edo state, Nigeria. This study determined the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among school children and examined its association with demographic and behavioral factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 50 students of Ilawure Grammar School, Usen. Urine samples were collected between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and examined microscopically after centrifugation for Schistosoma haematobium eggs and red blood cells. Demographic and behavioral data were obtained using structured questionnaires and analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. The overall prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium was 16.0% (8/50). Infection was higher among males (15.4%) and among older children aged 18–20 years (25.0%), though differences by age and sex were not statistically significant. River/stream contact was significantly associated with infection (24.2%, p = 0.037). Other factors such as urinating in rivers, walking barefoot, and lack of toilet facilities showed higher proportions of infection but were not statistically significant. Children with prior knowledge of water protection practices were significantly less likely to be infected (p = 0.004). The study confirms that urinary schistosomiasis remains endemic in Usen Community. Health education, improved sanitation, safe water provision, and strengthened school-based interventions including mass drug administration are recommended to reduce infection among school-aged children.

Both endocrine and exocrine pancreatic functions are impacted by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a chronic metabolic disease. Important indicators of pancreatic health, serum lipase and amylase, are frequently changed in type 2 diabetes, but little is known about how anti-diabetic medications affect these enzymes, especially in African populations. In Benin City, Nigeria, this study examined the serum levels of lipase and amylase in T2DM patients taking various antiglycemic medication classes. 50 T2DM patients and 50 age-matched non-diabetic controls were enlisted. Standard enzymatic assays were used to measure the concentrations of serum lipase and amylase, and correlation statistics and one-way ANOVA were used to analyse the data. The mean levels of lipase (67.03 ± 6.96 U/L) and amylase (93.19 ± 4.49 U/L) were significantly higher in T2DM patients than in controls (59.56 ± 4.81 U/L and 39.52 ± 3.19 U/L, respectively; p < 0.001). Although these differences were not statistically significant, variation was seen across antiglycemic drug classes, with patients on metformin plus sulfonylureas having the highest amylase levels and those on DPP-4 inhibitors having the highest lipase levels. Exocrine function gradually declined over time, as evidenced by the significant negative correlation between lipase activity and the length of diabetes (r = –0.347, p = 0.014). While lipase was lower in overweight people, demographic factors like age, sex, and BMI had no discernible impact on amylase. In conclusion, this study shows that T2DM is linked to increased pancreatic enzyme levels, with patterns impacted by the length of the disease and, to a lesser degree, anti- glycemic medication. These results emphasise the value of tracking exocrine pancreatic function in the treatment of diabetes and demand more extensive, long-term, population-based research to elucidate the clinical consequences of these changes.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Increasing evidence suggests that changes in trace elements, particularly copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), may contribute to endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in preeclampsia pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Se in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia attending a tertiary health clinic in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A case –control design was employed involving 80 participants consisting of clinically diagnosed preeclamptic patients and age- and gestational –age –matched normotensive pregnant women. Venous blood samples were collected, and serum Cu, Zn and Se levels were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools such as the student t test, with significance set at p<0.05. Preliminary findings indicate that preeclamptic women exhibit significantly higher Cu levels and reduced Zn and Se concentrations compared to controls, suggesting an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant trace elements. These alterations may exacerbate oxidative stress, contributing to disease severity. The results underscore the importance of Cu, Zn, and Se as potential biochemical markers in the assessment and management of preeclampsia. Further large –scale studies are recommended to explore their predictive and therapeutic implications in pregnancy –related hypertensive disorders

Icacina trichantha is a medicinal plant traditionally used in West Africa for its hematinic and immunomodulatory properties. The study is aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Icacina trichantha on the expression of the High-Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB-1) gene in Wistar rats with aluminum chloride–induced anaemia. Sixty (60) adult male Wistar rats were divided into six (6) groups: Group A (Control), Group B (AlCl₃ only), Group C (AlCl₃ + 40 mg/kg ferrous sulphate), and Groups D, E, and F (AlCl₃ + 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg I. trichantha extract, respectively). Blood samples were analyzed for white blood cell parameters using an ERMA haematology autoanalyzer, and HMGB1 mRNA expression was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with GAPDH as the internal control. Total WBC count was highest in Group B (7.5 ± 0.91) and lowest in Group C (4.92 ± 0.51), with extract-treated groups showing intermediate values (6.28 ± 0.46, 5.88 ± 1.17, and 5.98 ± 0.57 for Groups D, E, and F, respectively), though differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Lymphocyte, MID, and granulocyte percentages showed mild variations across groups but without statistical significance. Significant weight gain was observed in Groups D, E, and F at day 28 compared to day 0 (p < 0.05). HMGB1 mRNA expression was significantly elevated in Groups C, D, and E compared to Groups A and B (p < 0.05), indicating activation of immune-related molecular pathways. In conclusion, while I. trichantha did not significantly alter WBC indices in AlCl₃-induced anaemia, its administration was associated with notable upregulation of HMGB1 expression and improved body weight, suggesting potential modulatory and restorative effects that warrant further mechanistic studies.

When Women gets pregnant, it induces profound metabolic changes, particularly in lipid metabolism, to support maternal adaptation and fetal growth. While these alterations are physiological, excessive deviations may predispose women to cardiovascular complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. The Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), derived from triglyceride and HDL-C levels, has emerged as a useful biomarker for evaluating cardiovascular risk during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) and lipid profile variations among pregnant women across the three trimesters in Benin City, Nigeria, in order to assess trimester-specific cardiovascular risk patterns. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed involving pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Benin City, blood samples were collected and analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) using standardized enzymatic colorimetric methods. The AIP was calculated as log(TG/HDL-C). Data were analyzed using ANOVA, correlation, and regression models, with significance set at p < 0.05. The study population was predominantly aged 20–34 years (79%), with most in the third trimester (47%). Pregnant women showed significantly higher BMI and LDL-C compared to non-pregnant controls (p < 0.001). Triglycerides increased progressively from the first trimester (103.52 ± 8.74 mg/dL) to the third (140.04 ± 5.22 mg/dL, p = 0.003). LDL-C peaked in the third trimester (151.36 ± 5.56 mg/dL, p = 0.01), while HDL-C remained relatively stable. The mean AIP rose significantly with gestational age (p = 0.022), with third-trimester values higher than first-trimester values (p = 0.017). AIP correlated strongly and positively with triglycerides across all trimesters (r = 0.76–0.91, p < 0.001), and negatively with HDL-C in late pregnancy (r = – 0.641, p < 0.001). Pregnancy in Benin City is characterized by progressive increases in triglycerides, LDL-C, and AIP, particularly in the third trimester. These findings highlight the need to include lipid and AIP monitoring in antenatal care for early identification of women at risk of adverse outcome.

The growing consumption of processed seasoning, particularly Knorr, has raised scientific concern regarding their potential physiological effects, owing to the inclusion of additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), high salt content and synthetic flavor enhancers. This study investigated the effects of Knorr seasoning on Drosophila melanogaster across different concentrations. The flies were allocated into five groups: Group A (control), Group B (0.3 g), Group C (0.15 g), Group D (0.1 g), and Group E (0.05 g). Survival analysis revealed that Knorr seasoning significantly influenced lifespan (p = 0.006). Flies exposed to the highest concentration (0.3 g) exhibited the lowest survival rate by Day 21 (8.3%), whereas those treated with the lowest concentration (0.05 g) maintained a relatively higher survival rate (20.0%) compared to the control group (22.9%). A second setup was made and the flies was divided into five groups with varying concentrations to assess antioxidant enzyme activity. Catalase (CAT) activity showed no significant differences among groups (p = 0.624), while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity varied significantly (p = 0.012). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity did not differ significantly across treatment groups (p = 0.984). Overall, the findings demonstrated that Knorr chicken seasoning reduced the survival of Drosophila melanogaster in a concentration-dependent manner, with the greatest reduction observed at 0.3 g. Antioxidant enzyme assays indicated that Knorr seasoning selectively modulated SOD activity, suggesting heightened oxidative stress responses at higher concentrations and reduced activity at intermediate levels, whereas CAT and GPx activities remained largely unaffected. These results emphasize the critical role of dosage in determining whether Knorr seasoning exerts detrimental or potentially adaptive biological effects. Further investigations are warranted to validate these findings and explore the long term health implications of seasoning cube consumption.