DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY

According to the Food and Drug Administration, energy drinks are defined as liquid products that typically contain caffeine, with or without additional ingredients. As energy drink consumption rates and popularity continue to rise, it's crucial to monitor their usage prevalence and investigate both the short-term and long-term effects of regular consumption to better understand their impact. The study aimed to investigate the effect of energy drinks (EDs) on liver function tests and hematological indices among young adult consumers in the University of Benin. 40, apparently young healthy adults between the ages of 18-25 years
studying at the University of Benin, were divided into 2 groups of 20 each. Group 1 which is the control group comprised of participants who were not regular consumers of energy drinks and would not consume energy drink (Predator) during
the study period. Group 2 comprised of adults with a history of energy drink consumption and would also consume energy drink (Predator) daily for 2 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 2 weeks f consumption. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using Graph Pad Prism version 8.1 statistical package and relevant statistical values were obtained. An unpaired Student t-test was used and data were presented as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Values of P<0.5 were considered statistically significant. The statistical values obtained were presented graphically in the form of bar charts. The consumption of
energy drinks among young adults did not cause significant alterations in the serum lipid profile for most parameters measured. Specifically, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL levels in both experimental groups showed no significant differences when compared with the control group (P > 0.05). However, VLDL levels exhibited a significant decrease in both groups relative to the control (P < 0.05), suggesting that energy drink intake may have a slight lipid-lowering effect on VLDL concentration. The electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters — including heart rate, and blood pressure but Parameters like QRS complex becomes wider in Group 1 and increasingly wider in group 2 but normal in Control, ST interval elevation is observed in Group 1 and more elevated in Group 2 but flat in control group. No significant difference between the Axis of Group 1 and Control group but Group 2 axis progressively slants to the left

Asthma is a long-term inflammatory condition of the airways that causes a variety of symptoms due to the irritation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. The aim of this study is to determine
the effects of Montelukast and hydrocortisone on liver function, liver antioxidant levels, and histology, in order to determine which medication may have a more favorable effect on the liver. Methodology: Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 180-250g were divided into two main groups; the Control group and Test group. The test group was further divided into three subgroups treated with anti-asthmatic drugs. The control group received normal rat chow and water
throughout the experiment while the test groups were exposed to concentrations of Ovalbumin (OVA, egg albumin grade II) and aluminum hydroxide to induce asthma after which they were treated with hydrocortisone and montelukast. All experimental groups (2, 3, and 4) were sensitized
1mg OVA and 200mg aluminum hydroxide dissolved in 0.9 saline on day 0 and 7. After confirmation of asthma in all test groups, treatment began with 5mg/kg hydrocortisone (i.p) and 10mg/kg Montelukast. They were challenged with OVA (1% w/v, dissolved in 0.9 saline) twice
weekly from day 7 of treatment until the last day. For the challenge, rats were placed in a plastic chamber measuring 70cm in diameter and 40cm in length connected to a Medel family nebulizer
with aerosol delivery of 0.28ml/min. At the end of drug administration, all animals were euthanized, blood and tissue samples collected for biomarker assay and histology. All data obtained from the experiments are expressed as mean ± Standard Error of Mean (SEM) and
statistical analysis performed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for assessing differences amongst multiple groups, followed by Tukey's test using Graphpad Prism 10.0.3 software. The
result of the experiment showed that there were statistically significant differences in liver enzymes and antioxidant levels among Montelukast and hydrocortisone treatment on asthma induced spraguedawley rats.

In Africa, despite the high prevalence of under nutrition, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing at an alarming rate. This leaves us with a double burden of malnutrition and obesity with a need for prevention. Children and young adults who are obese are more likely to have a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hypertension and type-2 diabetes mellitus, which persist into adulthood. Unsaturated FAs include mono-unsaturated FAs and poly-unsaturated FAs. Mono-unsaturated FAs are considered to be the healthiest types of FAs because they help to reduce harmful low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) that are closely associated with coronary heart disease. They are mainly found in olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts and seeds. This study is aimed at examining the castelli risk index and lipid profile variation amongst a population of young obese female student sin the University of Benin. The study was carried out across the university environment in ovia north eastlocal government area. 60 participants were employed for this study with 30 obese subjects astest subjects and 30 slim subjects as control. 5mls of blood were collected into lithiumhepar in bottles and centrifuged for 15mins. The supernatant was separated using a pasteur pipette and placed in plain bottles after which they were refrigerated at -20 oC for lipid profile analysis (total cholesterol/HDLcholesterol and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios). Castelli Risk Index, CRI was calculated as theratioofTC/HDLc and LDLc/HDLc respectively while Atherogenic Index of Plasma, AIP is a logarithmicallytransformed molar ratio of TG to HDLc i.e. Log10 (TG/HDLc) ratio (where, TG=Triglyceride,TC=Total Cholesterol). Our results revealed that there was no significant difference in triglyceride, LDL, and total cholesterol concentration between the control (slim) and test (obese) subjects (p>0.05)but there was significant reduction in HDL concentration in the obese subjects when compared with the control subjects (p<0.05). In conclusion, obesity leads to an unfavorable lipid pattern, characterized by high TC, TG, LDL (“bad lipoprotein”) levels and low HDL (“Good lipoprotein”)levels that elevates the values of AIP and CRI I-II ratios which takes account of the proportion between pro-atherogenic and anti-atherogenic fractions hence considered more effective as diagnostic and prognostic alternatives in cardiovascular risk assessment unlike the conventional lipidparameters shown to be inadequate, especially in persons with intermediate risk.

A common industrial chemical, bisphenol-A (BPA) is connected to oxidative stress, memory loss, learning impairment, reduced cholinergic function, and neuronal degeneration. BPA is also utilized in
the manufacturing of polycarbonate, epoxy resins, and plastics. Ascorbic acid, another name for vitamin C, is a necessary substance that is involved in several biological activities. It has been proposed as a potential therapeutic intervention for oxidative stress because of its strong antioxidant properties, which shield the body from oxidative damage brought on by free radicals. On the other hand, opinions about the protective role of vitamin C in bisphenol-A-induced toxicity are divided. This research looked at the neuroprotective effects of vitamin C in the context of toxicity caused by bisphenol-A in Drosophila melanogaster. Three to five days ago, flies were divided into groups. Group 2 received a diet containing 1 mM of bisphenol-A (BPA), whereas Group 1 acted as the control group. 200 mM of vitamin C was given to Group 3 by food, whereas Group 4 received 200 mM of vitamin C plus 1 mM of BPA through food. For six (6) days, the flies were kept on these treatments at room temperature. To evaluate locomotor performance, an open field research and negative geotaxis were conducted (climbing activity and exploratory movement). Additionally, a 15-day survival research was conducted to look at the effects of vitamin C and bisphenol A on fly survival rates. After the experiment was over, the flies were homogenized, and the supernatants were used to measure the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malonaldehyde
(MDA), and catalase-catalase. The survival rate, motility, and climbing activity (negative geotaxis) of flies treated with BPA were all significantly reduced. Additionally, the activities of AChE, MDA, Catalase, SOD, and BPA-treated flies were reduced. Vitamin C was able to considerably raise the flies' survival rate, motility, and climbing activity throughout the co-treatment procedure. It also lessened the effects of the BPA increase on AChE activity and MDA levels in these flies. Furthermore, vitamin C inhibited and BPA-induced redu tion in GST activity was observed.

This research centers on the complex relationship between high salt intake, hypertension, immune markers and antihypertensive drugs. Despite knowing the detrimental effects of salt on blood pressure, the specific molecular mechanisms connecting these factors are not fully understood and how antihypertensive drugs affect immune function markers. The aim of this study is to see how antihypertensive medications affect immune function markers in a salt-loaded animal model. Twenty-five Sprague Dawley male rats weighing between 110g-130g was purchased from Lagos and housed in the Animal Unit of theDepartment of Pharmacology, and allowed to acclimatize for 2 weeks thereafter were randomly divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1; control received normal rat chow and tap water, Group 2; Received high salt diet of 8% NaC1 (HS) alone for 8 weeks as described by, Group 3; Received high salt diet + 2.3mg/kg/d Lisinopril, Group 4; Received high salt + 0.1mg/kg/d verapamil, Group 5; Received high salt + 10mg/kg/d Losartan. Feeding and drug administration was by oral gavage for 8 weeks. Blood pressure (BP) (mmHg), heart rate (bpm) and weight measurement was done before the animals were humanely sacrificed using chloroform anaesthesia. The result shows a significant increase in the Mean arterial blood pressure in salt-loaded rats compared with the control, while antihypertensive drugs caused attenuation in blood pressure increase when compared with the salt-loaded group. Lisinopril in particular reversed the trend; suggesting renin angiotensin-mediated primary pathway in salt-induced hypertension. There were no significant changes in the heart rate of the animals. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ration was significantly increased in salt-loaded rats compared with control and much more in Lisinopril and verapamil co-treated salt-loaded rats. The result shows a significant increase in the salt loaded group when compared with the control group, meanwhile there was no significant difference in the salt loaded group treated with different antihypertensive drugs lisinopril and losartan compared with the salt loaded while verapamil shows a significant decrease in interleukin-6 levels when compared with the high salt group. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) significantly increased in salt-loaded rats compared with the control, while in antihypertensive drugs it shows a decrease when compared with the salt-loaded group. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly increased in salt-loaded rats compared with the control; in lisinopril it shows no significant difference when compared with the salt-loaded group while lorsartan and verapamil shows a decrease in ROS activities. In conclusion, this research shows that excessive high salt consumption triggers inflammatory tissue responses which could lead to hypertension and this project study is a pointer to the fact that increases activity of immune cells could pre dispose to hypertension and this effect are ameliorated by antihypertensive drugs, especially lisinopril and verapamil.

Heavy metals are metallic elements that have a relatively high density compared to water. Some examples are lead and cadmium. These metals distributed into the body through ingestion or through inhalation of air. Fifteen (15) Adult male Wistar rats weighing between 100-130g were used for this study. They were assigned into three (3) groups of (n=5) in each group. Group 1 served as (control Group) while Group 2 and 3 serve as experimental group. Group 1: (control group) were give pellet and distilled water. While the group 2 and 3 were administered CdCl2 and pb(C2H3O2)2 100ppm for 14 days and 28 days respectively. After four weeks of administration, the blood collection was through orbital sinus using heparinized capillary tube into EDTA bottles. Thin blood smear from the EDTA bottles was placed on microscope slide. The slide was allowed to air dry after that it was subsequently fixed with absolute methanol for about 15 mins staining for 20 mins each and were viewed understand microscope. The bone marrow was experimented using flushing techniques. The result actualized from this study shows in the erythrocyte morphology, lead acetate and cadmium chloride affect the shape (slightly rounded or blunted) and color (faded) of the cells and there are microcytes which are unusual red blood cells which are seen scattered in the entire field.the bone marrow cytology shows abundant erythroid series in the treatment groups, also lymphoid cellular series recruitment interspersed by the other reticulocyte of the bone marrow when compared with the control. In conclusion, it was observed from this study that acute co-exposure to lead acetate and cadmium chloride affect the erythrocyte morphology of Wistar rats, this effects may result in a condition called poikilocytosis . The resulting effects on the bone marrow may eventually lead to anemia

Anaemia is a prevalent global health concern, particularly in developing regions. Conventional treatments such as iron supplements often have side effects, prompting interest in natural alternatives. Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) is rich in bioactive
compounds, including lycopene, citrulline, and essential minerals, which may influence hematopoiesis. This study evaluates the effects of Citrullus lanatus juice on red blood cell (RBC) indices in anaemic rats. Seventy seven male Sprague-Dawley rats were
divided into five groups: control, anaemia-induced (untreated), anaemia + vitamin B complex/folic acid, and anaemia + watermelon juice. Anaemia was induced using phenylhydrazine, and treatments were administered for three weeks. Blood samples were collected weekly and analyzed for RBC indices, including mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and red cell distribution width (RDW). Data were analyzed using ANOVA with a significance level of p < 0.05. Citrullus
lanatus juice administration significantly increased MCV and MCH compared to the control (p < 0.05), suggesting enhanced erythropoiesis. RDW-SD showed a notable increase in the watermelon-treated group, indicating RBC production. However, no
significant changes were observed in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (p > 0.05). The results suggest that Citrullus lanatus juice positively influences RBC indices in anaemic rats, potentially enhancing erythropoiesis. This study supports the use of Citrullus lanatus as a dietary intervention for anaemia, warranting further research in human models.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an industrial chemical primarily used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element, vital for the health of humans and other living organisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Bisphenol-A (BPA) on some oxidative stress markers in adult male rats and evaluate the potential effect of Selenium (Se) in BPA-induced oxidative damage. A total of twenty (20) male Wistar rats weighing between 180g and 200g were purchased and kept in standard cages for two weeks to enable them acclimatize to their new environment. After acclimatization period, the twenty-adult male Wistar rats were divided into four (4) different groups A, B, C, D: control, BPA-only, Se-only, and BPA+Se. Group A served as control, Groups B D received 20mg/kg BPA, 2mg/kg Se, and both, respectively, for 54 days. Blood was collected and analyzed for oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide Distumates (SOD) and catalase (CAT). All statistical analyses were carried out using Graph Pad prism statistical software version 10.0. The data from all the groups were presented as Mean ± S.E.M (Standard Error of Mean), (n=5) in each group and analyze for statistical significance using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Values were considered significant at P<0.05. The result shows that exposure to BPA resulted in significant (p<0.05) reduction in body weight. There was significant (p<0.05) increase in MDA levels in all groups compared with the control. On the other hand, SOD and CAT activities were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in all groups compared with the control, thereby indicating decreased antioxidant enzyme activities. In conclusion, these finding shows that Selenium (Se) supplementation did not mitigate the adverse effects of BPA and instead worsened oxidative stress, implying that Selenium (Se) may not provide protection against the harmful effect of Bisphenol-A (BPA) even at this dose but rather potentiated the effect of Bisphenol-A (BPA).

immune markers and antihypertensive drugs. Despite knowing the detrimental effects of salt on blood pressure, the specific molecular mechanisms connecting these factors are not fully understood and how antihypertensive drugs affect immune function markers. The aim of this study is to see how antihypertensive medications affect immune function markers in a salt-loaded animal model. Twenty-five Sprague Dawley male rats weighing between 110g-130g was purchased from Lagos and housed in the Animal Unit of the Department of Pharmacology, and allowed to acclimatize for 2 weeks thereafter were randomly divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1; control received normal rat chow and tap water, Group 2; Received high salt diet of 8% NaC1 (HS) alone for 8 weeks as described by, Group 3; Received high salt diet + 2.3mg/kg/d Lisinopril, Group 4; Received high salt + 0.1mg/kg/d verapamil, Group 5; Received high salt + 10mg/kg/d Losartan. Feeding and drug administration was by oral gavage for 8 weeks. Blood pressure (BP) (mmHg), heart rate (bpm) and weight measurement was done before theNanimals were humanely sacrificed using chloroform anaesthesia. The result shows a significant increase in the Mean arterial blood pressure in salt-loaded rats compared with the control, while antihypertensive drugs caused attenuation in blood pressure increase when compared with the salt-loaded group. Lisinopril in particular reversed the trend; suggesting renin angiotensin-mediated primary pathway in salt-induced hypertension. There were no significant changes in the heart rate of the animals. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ration was significantly increased in salt-loaded rats compared with control and much more in Lisinopril and verapamil co-treated salt-loaded rats. The result shows a significant increase in the salt loaded group when compared with the control group, meanwhile there was no significant difference in the salt loaded group treated with different antihypertensive drugs lisinopril and losartan compared with the salt loaded while verapamil shows a significant decrease in interleukin-6 levels when compared with the high salt group. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) significantly increased in salt-loaded rats compared with the control, while in antihypertensive drugs it shows a decrease when compared with the salt-loaded group. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly increased in salt-loaded rats compared with the control; in lisinopril it shows no significant difference when compared with the salt-loaded group while lorsartan and verapamil shows a decrease in ROS activities. In conclusion, this research shows that excessive high salt consumption triggers inflammatory tissue responses which could lead to hypertension and this project study is a pointer to the fact that increases activity of immune cells could pre dispose to hypertension and this effect are ameliorated by antihypertensive drugs, especially lisinopril and verapamil.

Heavy metals are metallic elements that have a relatively high density compared to water. Some examples are lead and cadmium. These metals distributed into the body through ingestion or through inhalation of air. Fifteen (15) Adult male Wistar rats weighing between 100-130g were used for this study. They were assigned into three (3) groups of (n=5) in each group. Group 1 served as (control Group) while Group 2 and 3 serve as experimental group. Group 1: (control group) were give pellet and distilled water. While the group 2 and 3 were administered CdCl2 and pb(C2H3O2)2 100ppm for 14 days and 28 days respectively. After four weeks of administration, the blood collection was through orbital sinus using heparinized capillary tube into EDTA bottles. Thin blood smear from the EDTA bottles was placed on microscope slide. The slide was allowed to air dry after that it was subsequently fixed with absolute methanol for about 15 mins staining for 20 mins each and were viewed understand microscope. The bone marrow was experimented using flushing techniques. The result actualized from this study shows in the erythrocyte morphology, lead acetate and cadmium chloride affect the shape (slightly rounded or blunted) and color (faded) of the cells and there are microcytes which are unusual red blood cells which are seen scattered in the entire field.the bone marrow cytology shows abundant erythroid series in the treatment groups, also lymphoid cellular series recruitment interspersed by the other reticulocyte of the bone marrow when compared with the control. In conclusion, it was observed from this study that acute co-exposure to lead acetate and cadmium chloride affect the erythrocyte morphology of Wistar rats, this effects may result in a condition called poikilocytosis . The resulting effects on the bone marrow may eventually lead to anemia.