DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, characterized by recurring episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma models are widely used to study allergic asthma and its systemic effects, including alterations in red blood cell (RBC) indices. This study investigates the impact of varying methods of OVA administration on RBC indices in female Wistar rats. This study involved 42 female Wistar rats weighing 140-180g who were acclimatized for one week. They were divided into six different groups of 7 rats. During the experimental process, all groups (2-6) were sensitized with 1 mg OVA and 20 mg AlOH dissolved in 0.9 saline on days 1, 7 and 14, then challenged with 1 % OVA biweekly for 28 days. Group 1 control; Group 2 sensitised on days 1 and 7; Group 3 sensitized on days 1, 7 and 14; Group 4 sensitised on day 1 and challenged; Group 5 sensitised on days 1 and 7 and challenged; Group 6 sensitised on day 1, 7 and 14 and challenged. All animal were euthanized at the end of 28 days. Statistical analysis was performed using one- way variance analysis (ANOVA). The result showed no statistically significant difference in red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and red cell distribution in all the groups compared to the control (p>0.05); also, there was a significant decrease in haematocrit and mean corpuscular volume in the group sensitised on days 1, 7 and 14 compared to control (p<0.05). In conclusion, these ovalbumin-induced asthma methods did not affect red cell indices except on haematocrit and mean corpuscular volume in female Wistar rats.

This study investigated the effects of controlled consumption of Predator energy drink on kidney function among healthy young adults in the University of Benin. Energy drinks contain caffeine, taurine, sugars and several additives that may influence renal physiology. The study assessed both plasma and urinary biomarkers to determine whether short term intake could produce early changes in renal function. A total of young adult participants were assigned into three groups which included a control group, a group that consumed one bottle of Predator energy drink daily and another group that consumed two bottles daily for one week. Blood and urine samples were collected after the intervention and analysed using standard biochemical methods. The results showed that cystatin C levels increased significantly in both energy drink groups, indicating early glomerular stress. Plasma creatinine and plasma electrolytes did not show significant changes, suggesting that the kidneys were still able to maintain filtration and electrolyte balance during this short exposure period. Urinary findings showed significant changes in urine pH, urinary bicarbonate, urinary potassium and urinary creatinine, which indicated early tubular alterations and increased renal workload. Urinary albumin remained unchanged across all groups, showing that structural glomerular integrity was preserved. The study concludes that short term consumption of Predator energy drink can cause mild renal stress that is detectable through sensitive biomarkers even when traditional renal markers remain within normal limits. These findings highlight the importance of moderate intake among young adults to prevent possible long term renal complications. It is recommended that regular consumers undergo periodic health checks and that more extended studies be carried out to determine the long term effects of frequent energy drink consumption.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by reproductive dysfunction, including anovulation and adverse ovarian remodeling, as well as systemic complications such as a prothrombotic state involving platelet dysfunction. This study was designed to investigate a dual-pronged therapeutic strategy targeting both the systemic metabolic and local ovarian aspects of the syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the individual and combined effects of metformin and simvastatin on ovarian histology and surrogate markers of platelet function in a letrozole-induced Sprague Dawley rat model of PCOS. PCOS was induced in female Sprague Dawley rats via oral administration of letrozole (1 mg/kg) for 21 days. The rats were subsequently randomized into five groups: a healthy control group, an untreated PCOS group, and three treatment groups receiving simvastatin (20 mg/kg), metformin (300 mg/kg), or a combination of simvastatin and metformin for 28 days. At the end of the treatment period, ovarian tissues were collected for histopathological examination using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, and whole blood was analyzed for platelet indices, including Platelet Count, Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW). Histopathological analysis revealed that the untreated PCOS group developed multiple cystic follicles and an absence of corpora lutea, confirming an anovulatory state. Metformin monotherapy significantly improved ovarian architecture and restored ovulation, evidenced by the presence of multiple corpora lutea. Simvastatin monotherapy showed partial amelioration, with a reduction in cystic follicles but scarce corpora lutea. The combination therapy demonstrated a potent synergistic effect, resulting in a near-complete normalization of ovarian histology that closely resembled the healthy control group, with numerous developing follicles and corpora lutea. Hematological analysis showed no significant differences in plateLet count or MPV across the treated groups compared to the untreated PCOS group. However, metformin monotherapy led to a paradoxical and statistically significant increase in PDW and Platelet-Large Cell Ratio (P-LCR) (P < 0.05). In concluson, Metformin and simvastatin exert distinct effects on both hematological and ovarian parameters in PCOS-induced rats. Metformin monotherapy showed a significant impact on platelet morphology, increasing PDW and P-LCR. Furthermore, it was highly effective in restoring ovarian cytoarchitecture, evidenced by the absence of cysts. Simvastatin monotherapy also improved ovarian morphology, reducing cystic structures, but showed no significant effect on platelet indices. Critically, the combination therapy presented a complex interaction, showing limited efficacy in resolving ovarian cysts and no significant improvement in platelet parameters compared to monotherapies. These findings suggest that while both drugs are beneficial, their mechanisms may not be synergistic when combined in this mode

One important measure of cardiopulmonary fitness is functional exercise capacity. A popular and standardized method for evaluating this ability is the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), which measures how various physiological systems react to submaximal effort. While its impact on cardiovascular parameters is well-documented, the specific, acute effects of a self-paced functional exercise like the 6MWT on spirometric lung function levels in healthy individuals remain less characterized. Establishing this baseline response is crucial for the accurate interpretation of tests in clinical populations. This study sought to evaluate the acute effect of the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) on lung function levels in healthy adult male subjects. A pre- post intervention study design was employed. A cohort of healthy adult male students from the University of Benin, aged 18-29 years, was recruited. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) were measured using baseline spirometry. Each participant then completed the 6MWT on a standardized 30-meter track in compliance with the American Thoracic Society's (ATS) recommendations. Spirometry was repeated immediately post-exercise to capture acute changes in lung function parameters. Results showed a significant post-exercise reduction in FEV1 and the FEV1/FVC ratio. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in FEF25, FEF75, or PEF. The significant decrease in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC suggests mild, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction predominantly in the large, central airways. The stability of small airway parameters (FEF25, FEF75) and PEF indicates this response is localized, not affecting peripheral airway function or maximal expiratory effort. This pattern aligns with known physiological responses to exercise, where increased ventilation can trigger airway reactivity. The 6MWT induces an acute, measurable reduction in large airway function in healthy males. This finding establishes that a degree of airway reactivity is a normal physiological response to submaximal exercise. Recognizing this baseline is essential for accurately differentiating normal post- exercise dynamics from pathological bronchoconstriction in clinical assessments.

The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple, low-tech, safe and well established, self-paced assessment tool to quantify functional exercise capacity in adults. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of functional exercise on blood glucose, o2 saturation, pulse rate, distance covered and borg scale in healthy adult males at the University of Benin. Eighty-nine(89) healthy young adult males aged 18-29 years were recruited for this study. A straight hallway was used at the University of Benin. A 30m hallway was used to carry out the test. Two small cones were placed at both ends on the 30m mark to indicate the turnaround points. The subjects' Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated before the test. The pre and post-test vitals were measured and recorded. The statistical analysis was done using Graph Pad Prism statistical package Version 8.1. The standard error of mean (SEM) was used in tables and graphs to display the results.The dependent and independent variable means were compared using the student t-test. P<0.05 was accepted as significant. Based on the results, the six-minute walk test led to a significant reduction in blood glucose levels in young adult males. The test also resulted in a significant increase in the Borg scale (perceived exertion). However, there was no significant reduction in oxygen saturation levels after the exercise.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, coughing, breathlessness, and chest tightness. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of salbutamol, prednisolone, and montelukast on serum electrolyte, urea, and creatinine in asthma-induced female Sprague-Dawley rats. Methodology: Sixty-four (64) rats weighing 120-250 g were randomly assigned into eight groups (n = 8 per group): The negative control group (no asthma, untreated), positive control group (asthma-induced, untreated), and six treatment groups (groups 3-8) induced with asthma, receiving salbutamol (1 mg/kg), montelukast (10 mg/kg), prednisolone (3 mg/kg), Salbutamol/Prednisolone (1 mg/kg + 3 mg/kg), montelukast/prednisolone(10 mg/kg + 3mg/kg), Salbutamol/Montelukast (1 mg/kg + 10 mg/kg). Groups 2-8 were sensitized via intraperitoneal injections of 1 mg ovalbumin (OVA), emulsified in 20 mg aluminum hydroxide (in 0.9% saline) on days 1 and 7 of the third week. From day 21, sensitized rats were challenged by exposure to aerosolized 1% OVA solution for 15 minutes per session, twice weekly for 28 days. Treatment continued throughout the challenge period. At the end of the treatment period, animals were anesthetized, and blood was collected for biochemical analysis. All data were expressed as mean ± Standard Error of Mean (SEM) and analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s post hoc test, using Graphpad Prism 10.2.2 software. Results showed a statistically significant increase in serum urea and creatinine in the prednisolone/montelukast-treated group compared with negative control (p<0.05), whereas prednisolone alone significantly decreased serum creatinine and potassium levels (p<0.05). No significant changes in serum urea, creatinine, potassium, sodium or chloride were observed in the salbutamol, montelukast, and their combination groups compared with the negative control (p>0.05). Compared with the positive control, several treatments, including montelukast, prednisolone, salbutamol/montelukast, and prednisolone/montelukast, significantly decreased serum urea, while prednisolone/montelukast, also increased sodium and decreased chloride levels (p<0.05). These findings suggest that prednisolone, particularly in combination with montelukast, can modulate renal function and eletrolyte balance, whereas salbutamol and montelukast alone exert minimal effects on kidney parameters.

Jatropha tanjorensis (JT), commonly known as "hospital too far," is widely consumed as a vegetable and used in traditional medicine to treat ailments like anemia and diabetes. However, scientific evidence regarding its impact on male reproductive health is limited and conflicting, with some reports suggesting potential antifertility effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Jatropha tanjorensis methanol leaf extract on fertility hormones and the testes in male Wistar rats. Fourteen (14) male Wistar rats were divided into a control group (n=7), which received distilled water, and a test group (n=7), which was administered 500mg/kg of the methanol leaf extract of J. tanjorensis orally for four (4) weeks. At the end of the experiment, serum levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), testosterone, and prolactin were analyzed. Testicular weights were also measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Compared to the control group, administration of the J. tanjorensis extract resulted in a significant decrease in serum testosterone levels (2.350 ± 0.132 U/L vs. 3.225 ± 0.312 U/L, p=0.0416). Concurrently, the extract caused a significant increase in both serum LH (9.450 ± 0.595 µg/l vs. 5.975 ± 1.217 µg/l, p=0.0426) and FSH (15.65 ± 0.307 µg/l vs. 9.075 ± 2.04 µg/l, p=0.0190). There were no significant differences in prolactin levels or mean testicular weight between the groups. The findings demonstrate that the methanol extract of Jatropha tanjorensis disrupts the reproductive hormonal profile in male Wistar rats. The combination of low testosterone with high levels of LH and FSH is indicative of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, suggesting a direct inhibitory effect on testicular steroidogenesis (primary hypogonadism). These results indicate that the consumption of J. tanjorensis leaves may pose a potential risk to male reproductive health by impairing testicular function

Jatropha tanjorensis (JT), commonly known as "hospital too far," is widely consumed as a vegetable and used in traditional medicine to treat ailments like anemia and diabetes. However, scientific evidence regarding its impact on male reproductive health is limited and conflicting, with some reports suggesting potential antifertility effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Jatropha tanjorensis methanol leaf extract on fertility hormones and the testes in male Wistar rats. Fourteen (14) male Wistar rats were divided into a control group (n=7), which received distilled water, and a test group (n=7), which was administered 500mg/kg of the methanol leaf extract of J. tanjorensis orally for four (4) weeks. At the end of the experiment, serum levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), testosterone, and prolactin were analyzed. Testicular weights were also measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Compared to the control group, administration of the J. tanjorensis extract resulted in a significant decrease in serum testosterone levels (2.350 ± 0.132 U/L vs. 3.225 ± 0.312 U/L, p=0.0416). Concurrently, the extract caused a significant increase in both serum LH (9.450 ± 0.595 µg/l vs. 5.975 ± 1.217 µg/l, p=0.0426) and FSH (15.65 ± 0.307 µg/l vs. 9.075 ± 2.04 µg/l, p=0.0190). There were no significant differences in prolactin levels or mean testicular weight between the groups. The findings demonstrate that the methanol extract of Jatropha tanjorensis disrupts the reproductive hormonal profile in male Wistar rats. The combination of low testosterone with high levels of LH and FSH is indicative of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, suggesting a direct inhibitory effect on testicular steroidogenesis (primary hypogonadism). These results indicate that the consumption of J. tanjorensis leaves may pose a potential risk to male reproductive health by impairing testicular function.

Excessive salt loading has been associated with high blood pressure and cognitive decline, particularly affecting brain and male reproductive functions. This study examined the impact and effect of anti-hypertensive drugs and Nano-silver using the Sprague Dawley rat model. Sixty-Four rats with varying mean weight of 90.3g– 140.5grams were used for the study. The rats were acclimatized for four weeks and divided into eight groups (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) (n= 8 per group). Group1 Control, Group 2 received High salt diet (8% NaCl), Group 3 Normal diet + Nano silver, Group 4 Nano-silver + High salt diet, Group 5 Amlodipine + High salt diet, Group 6 Lisinopril + High salt diet, Group 7 Vitamin C + High salt diet, Group 8 Losartan + High salt diet. All animals had access to water and drugs were administered via the oral tube. During this period, The Neurobehavioral tests and cognitive tests were performed 4 consecutive times for the duration of 12 weeks. The tests conducted include Y-MAZE test, ELEVATED PLUS MAZE Test and the Open Field test. All the data obtained from the study were expressed as mean ± Standard Error of Mean (SEM). Statistical analysis was performed by T-test, one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess differences amongst multiple groups, followed by Tukey's post-hoc test and simple linear regression to find the relationships between variables using GraphPad Prism 10.2.2 statistical analysis software (GraphPad, San Diego, CA). P < 0.05 was considered statistically

Functional exercise, typified by the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), provokes a significant physiological stress response to meet the demands of submaximal exertion. The haematological system is highly sensitive to such stress, withchanges in erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet parameters serving as key indicators of fluid shift, immune mobilization, and hemostatic activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of functional exercise (Six Minute Walk Test) on key haematological indices in healthy young adult males. A pre-post intervention study was conducted involving healthy young adult male volunteers. Baseline venous blood samples were collected into EDTA tubes for a full blood count analysis. Participants subsequently performed the 6MWT as per the American Thoracic Society guidelines. A second venous blood sample was collected immediately post-test for repeat haematological analysis. Statistical significance was determined using a paired T-test. The study revealed a specific pattern of haematological response. No significant changes were observed in total white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, granulocyte count, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, or haematocrit value post-exercise. However, a significant reduction was recorded in key erythrocyte indices, including haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean cell volume (MCV) immediately following the 6MWT. This study demonstrates that functional exercise induces a defined hematological profile in healthy young males, characterized by significant reductions in hemoglobin, MCH, and MCV without changes in total cell counts. These findings provide a crucial normative baseline for clinical interpretation of exercise tests and highlight the sensitivity of erythrocyte indices to submaximal exertion