DEPARTMENT MEDICAL LABOURATORY SCIENCE

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; Group 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.

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, andphenols 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- orabicy clo[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.

Malaria is a major public health challenge worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. For prompt and accurate diagnosis, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends
rapid diagnostic test (RDT) as good alternative method for malaria diagnosis in sub- Sahara Africa prior to drug administration and treatment. Malaria RDTs are commercially
available test kits and majority detects Plasmodium falciparum Histidine-rich protein-2
(PfHRP2 gene) as the target antigen. The WHO then recommends that PfHRP2 gene
deletion must be monitored, especially in Africa. The aim of this study was to determine
PfHRP2 gene deletion in blood samples of malaria parasitaemic patients in Kaduna
metropolis. The Study was carried out using microscopy, PCR and RDT. All RDT- negative samples were further subjected to microscopy and molecular analysis (PCR) for
malaria parasite speciation and PfHRP2 gene and deletion. Of the 1196 samples analysed, 694 were negative and 502 were positive by RDT. Of the RDT negatives, 83 samples
were found to be microscopically positive, the 78 samples were for Plasmodium
falciparum species and 5 non-falciparum species (2P. Vivax, 2P. malariae, 1P. falciparum/Vivax). These 83 samples were further subjected NM-PCR and were equally
found positive for malaria, hence classified as RDT false–negatives. Statistical analysis
for frequencies and confidence intervals (Cl) was used for prevalence estimates. Associations were assessed by chi square test. The level of significance was set at P<0.05. The significance package used was Minitab 22.1. From the 83 samples identified as RDTfalse negative by PCR; 69 (5.8%) 95% Cl 4.6-7.0), had gene deletion both in PfHRP2
and PfHRP3, 4 samples (0.33%) 95% CI - 0.94-1.54) had deletion only in PfHRP2 but
not in PfHRP3 and 5 samples (0.42%) 95% CI-0.84-1.64) had deletion in PfHRP3 but not
in PfHRP2. With particular interest and considering PfHRP2 gene only within the total of
1196 samples 73(6.1%) 95% 4.76- 7.44) had evidence of deletion. This study provides
evidence of PfHRP2 gene deletion in Plasmodium falciparum in Kaduna and PfHRP2
deletion was detected in the 73 samples analysed. This surveillance study also discovered
that there is no significant difference (p<0.001) in Plasma level of CRP, IFN- and IL-6 of
blood samples of participants with intact PfHRP2 gene and those with PfHRP2 gene
deletion. It is, therefore, highly recommended that more surveillance studies across
different geographical zone of the country be carried out to determine the full extent of
PfHRP2 deletion frequencies. It also recommended that routine RDT kit contain
additional PfHRP3 antigen, to improve the RDT efficacy and provide broad spectrum of
diagnosis

The Kell blood group system is one of the most clinically significant after ABO and Rhesus. Antibodies to Kell antigens are highly immunogenic and can cause haemolytic transfusion reactions and haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). Despite its clinical importance, data on the distribution of Kell antigen among Nigerian pregnant women remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of the Kell blood group among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Central Hospital, Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 pregnant women aged 18–43 years attending antenatal clinic at Central Hospital, Benin City. Blood samples were collected and tested for Kell antigen using the conventional tube method with commercially prepared anti-Kell reagents. Socio-demographic and obstetric data were obtained through structured questionnaires.The gestational age of the women in their first trimester were fourty-two(42), second trimester, fifty (50) and third trimester, eight(8) Of the 100 women studied, 2 (2.0%) were positive for the Kell antigen who were in their first and second trimester respectively. While 98 (98.0%) were negative.The Kell-positive phenotype was observed across both primigravidae and multigravidae with no statistically significant difference. The overall prevalence of Kell antigen in this cohort was consistent with reports from other populations in Nigeria and across Africa but considerably lower than values reported among Caucasians. In conclusion, the study demonstrated a low prevalence (2.0%) of Kell antigen among pregnant women in Central Hospital. Given the clinical significance of Kell antibodies in HDFN and transfusion reactions, routine screening of pregnant women for Kell antigen and the provision of Kell-negative blood for women of childbearing potential is strongly recommended to enhance safe obstetric and transfusion practices.

Cadmium (Cd), a pervasive environmental toxicant, has been widely implicated in male reproductive dysfunction due to its ability to induce oxidative stress, disrupt endocrine signaling, and impair testicular architecture. In recent years, herbal medicine have thrived in therapeutic usage, ginseng has been known to be a potent Korean herb. The protective role of ginseng is attributed to its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which counteract cadmium-induced oxidative stress and cellular damage. This study aimed to investigate the histopathological and functional effects of ginseng on cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in Wistar albino rats. Animal model was used for this study, twenty male rats were used and randomly divided into four groups: Group A (control), Group B (Cd-exposed), Group C (Cd + 200 mg/kg ginseng), and Group D (Cd + 400 mg/kg ginseng). Cadmium chloride was administered imtraperitoneally at 1 mg/kg, while ginseng was administered orally, all administration was for three weeks after 14 days acclimatization. Parameters assessed included body and testicular weight, sperm characteristics (count, motility, morphology), and histopathological changes in testicular tissue. Results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in testicular weight, sperm count, and progressive motility in cadmium-exposed rats compared to controls (p < 0.05). Histological examination revealed degeneration and shrickening of seminiferous tubules, germ cell loss in Cd-treated groups. Co-administration of ginseng, particularly at 400 mg/kg, significantly ameliorated these effects, as evidenced by improved sperm parameters, restoration of testicular architecture. Putting together all data from this study, this study provides evidence that ginseng exerts a dose-dependent protective effect against cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rats. These findings highlight its therapeutic
potential as a natural adjunct in mitigating heavy metal-associated reproductive dysfunction. Further study into optimal dosage for therapeutic usage is of great importance.

Diagnostic radiation (X-rays, CT scans) generates reactive oxygen species and DNA damage, affecting apoptotic gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster, a model for cellular responses. Effector caspases DrICE and Dcp-1 regulate apoptosis under stress. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acute (X-ray) and chronic (CT room) radiation over 7 and 14 days on DrICE and Dcp-1 mRNA expression in Drosophila. The flies were divided into 4 groups; X ray exposure (7days), X ray exposure (14days), CT room exposure (7days), CT room exposure (14days). DrICE and Dcp-1 mRNAs expression were determined using Polymerase chain reaction. The data obtained was analyzed using graphpad prism (version 8.02, California, USA). The result showed that DrICE mRNA increased significantly (p<0.001) in all exposure groups (X-ray/CT room, 7/14 days) when compared to the control (66.16± 0.31), but decreased (p<0.01) in CT room at 14 days (75.84± 2.17) when compared to X-ray (14 days) (83.29± 1.14) and CT room (7 days)(86.18±1.84). Dcp-1 mRNA showed no significant change (p>0.05) with X-ray (7/14 days) when compared to the control, but decreased (p<0.01) in CT room at 14 days ( 57.16±2.37) when compared to control (71.29±1.13) and X-ray 7 and 14 days ( 74.51±2.66 and 69.06±1.72) with a milder drop (p<0.05) at 7 days(61.48±1.15). In conclusion, DrICE upregulation shifts to suppression under chronic CT exposure, indicating an adaptive response. Dcp-1 stability under X-ray contrasts with CT suppression, showing dose-rate effects. This suggests radiation modulates apoptosis, with potential for pest control, needing further protein studies.

Alstonia boonei, a plant species known for its medicinal properties and a tropical tree native to Africa, may exhibit protective effects on some vital organs. Various parts of the tree, including the bark, leaves, and roots, have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the histomorphological effects of Alstonia boonei stem bark extract on the liver and kidney of Wistar albino rats. Thirty healthy rats were separated into groups and housed in controlled conditions. Histopathological examinations will assess potential damage or protective effects. Given Alstonia boonei's potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it may offer benefits for liver and kidney health. The results of this study may provide insights into the potential therapeutic applications of Alstonia boonei in preventing liver and kidney damage. Some studies suggest that Alstonia boonei stem bark extract may have hepatoprotective properties, reducing liver damage and inflammation. Additionally, it may alleviate hyperlipidemia and renal malfunctions in benign prostatic hyperplasia-induced rats . Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying these effects and to determine the optimal dosage for maximum protection.

This study investigated the antidiabetic and electrolyte-modulating effects of ethanol extract of Tetracera alnifolia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. The extract was administered at doses of 200 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg, and its effects on fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels and sodium levels were evaluated. The results showed that the 500 mg/kg dose exerted a significant hypoglycemic effect, maintaining lower FBS levels over time. Additionally, the extract at 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg maintained sodium levels closer to the normal range. These findings suggest that the ethanol extract of Tetracera alnifolia may have therapeutic potential in the management of diabetes, particularly in regulating blood glucose and electrolyte balance.

The rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) highlights the urgent need for alternative antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time-kill kinetics of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces against multidrug resistant UPEC isolates before and after plasmid curing. Antibacterial activity was determined using agar well diffusion, MIC and MBC by broth dilution, and time-kill assays by plate count method. The ethanol extract consistently showed stronger antibacterial activity than the aqueous extract, with lower MIC and MBC values and faster bacterial elimination in time-kill assays. Plasmid curing enhanced the susceptibility of UPEC to both extracts. Conclusively, Hibiscus sabdariffa, particularly the ethanol extract, demonstrated promising antibacterial potential against MDR UPEC, warranting further studies on dosage, and safety.

In the course of improving sexual performance, some men have chosen to use aphrodisiac substances as a source of intervention. The study aimed to determine the impact of aphrodisiac (sildenafil: Viagra) use on the testes and heart tissues of Adult Albino rats. Eighteen (18) male albino rats (weighing 200g-220g) were acquired from the animal house of Edo State University. The animals were randomly divided into 3 equal groups A, B and C (n=6/group). Group A served as control administered with feed and water only. Group B, included 6 rats that were orally given Viagra in a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight dissolved in saline daily for 4 successive weeks. Group C, included 6 rats that were orally given Viagra in a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight for 4
successive weeks and then were kept without treatment for 4 weeks. Body weight of experimental animals was checked at week 0 before Viagra administration and last day of drug administration before sacrifice. All experimental rats and control rats were anesthetized using formalin and sacrificed at the end of experimental period. Hematological analysis was done using auto-hematological analyzer while Serial slices were cut using a microtome and stained with hematoxylin and eosin at a thickness of 5 um. Selected tissue sections were photographed and presented as plates. Body weight analysis of the albino rats after four weeks indicated a slight weight difference between the control group and the Viagra administered albino rats. Sildenafil at doses 10mg/kg BW. Hematological parameters reveal there was high significant (p<0.001) decrease in HCT, Twbcs and Granulocytes in the experimental group (41.0 ± 1.66, 2.3 ± 0.55 and 32.8 ± 3.27) when compared with control group (45.6 ± 1.50, 7.4 ± 1.92 and 40.4 ± 1.82) respectively. While monocytes value was highly significant (p<0.001) increase in the experimental group (17.2 ± 2.38 vs 7.4 ± 1.14) when compared with control group. Histological examination showed a general decrease in response to sildenafil administration. While tissue sections of testes collected from rats administrated with 10mg/kg Sildenafil citrate had mild necrosis of both cardiac fibers, seminiferous tubules and the interstitial tissue, congested blood vessels, hypertrophy of the interstitial Leydig cells and degeneration of the spermatogonial cells. Understanding the molecular downstream events involved in long-term PDE5 inhibitor exposure through basic and clinical research can be useful in supervising the application of aphrodisiac substances so as to improve on corrective measures through a short-term administration of aphrodisiac substances at low doses.