DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY

Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the lower respiratory tract, a state frequently seen alongside inflammatory disorders of the upper airway (Mims, 2015). The 1995 GINA guidelines classified a patient's off-treatment asthma status (intermittent to severe persistent) to guide initial therapy. However, modern guidelines have abandoned this severity-based classification in favor of a focus on achieving and maintaining disease control. Current clinical practice defines asthma severity by the level of pharmacological treatment required to keep the disease controlled; in the most difficult cases, severity is determined by the condition's refractoriness to therapy(Song et al., 2019). Asthma is typically suspected based on a patient's recurring symptoms and their positive response to a bronchodilator medication, which helps relax the airway muscles(Sockrider and Fussner, 2020). For individuals over the age of five, the diagnosis is usually confirmed with a breathing test called spirometry (a type of pulmonary function test or PFT), which detects airway narrowing or obstruction. However, a normal spirometry result does not rule out asthma(Sockrider and Fussner, 2020). First-line asthma medications include the short-acting β2-adrenergic agonist salbutamol for rapid relief of bronchoconstriction, the leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast for its anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects, and the corticosteroid prednisolone for potent anti-inflammatory action(Whirledge and Cidlowski, 2010), these drugs exert their effects through different mechanisms, including bronchodilation, anti inflammatory actions, and inhibition of leukotriene-mediated inflammation (Barnes, 2008). The induction of airway inflammation using Ovalbumin (OVA) in Sprague-Dawley rats serves as a widely recognized model for studying asthma (Kumar and Herbert, 2013). This model triggers a Th2-mediated inflammatory response, which subsequently elevates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in oxidative stress (Rahman andMacNee, 2000)

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a widely utilized medicinal herb recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective phytochemicals; however, its renal safety profile under normal physiological conditions remains inadequately characterized. This study evaluated the effect of ethanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum leaves on kidney function parameters in healthy female Wistar rats. Thirty rats were randomly distributed into five groups (n=6 per group): a control group receiving distilled water and four test groups administered 300, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg body weight of Basil extract orally for 21 days. At the end of the treatment period, serum samples were analyzed for electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate) and markers of renal function (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) using standard biochemical protocols. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results revealed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) among the groups for all evaluated parameters, though mild dose-dependent fluctuations were observed, all remaining within normal physiological ranges. Sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate concentrations exhibited no notable disturbances, indicating maintained electrolyte and acid-base balance, while urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels remained stable, suggesting preserved glomerular filtration and tubular function. These findings suggest that sub- chronic administration of ethanolic Sweet Basil leaf extract at doses up to 1500 mg/kg does not adversely affect renal biochemical indices in normal female Wistar rats, demonstrating its relative safety under non-pathological conditions. It is concluded that Ocimum basilicum is safe within the tested dosage and duration; however, further research incorporating histopathological assessment, molecular markers of renal function, longer durations of administration, and diseased models is recommended to fully validate its renal safety and therapeutic potential.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), leading to severe motor and cognitive impairments. Its complex pathophysiology involves oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and glutamatergic excitotoxicity. Hyperthermia, or high body temperature, is also known to cause cellular damage by impairing mitochondrial function and increasing oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate physiological alterations associated with hyperthermia in MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) induced Neurotoxicity using the MPTP rat model. Adult Wistar rats were divided into Control, Heat only, and MPTP + heat groups, receiving intranasal administration of MPTP (0.1ml/nostril)daily for 2 days. Heat exposure was carried out with heat bulbs for 6hours/day for one week at a temperature range of 28°c - 43°c. The study assessed key biochemical parameters, including oxidative stress markers (Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), and Malondialdehyde (MDA)), and Total Protein levels. Biochemical analysis confirmed that MPTPt + HEAT treatments induced a severe state of oxidative stress. This was evidenced by a significant increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) alongside a decrease in the lipid peroxidation marker MDA. This pattern indicates that the cellular antioxidant defenses were overwhelmed by the toxin and heat.. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant decrease in total protein levels across the Heat only and MPTP+ heat groups, suggesting widespread cellular injury and apoptotic death consistent with severe heat exposure and MPTP neurotoxicity. This study confirms the physiological alterations caused by heat, demonstrating that MPTP administration and heat exposure promote molecular damage, oxidative stress, and widespread protein loss.

Salbutamol, montelukast, and prednisolone are commonly prescribed for respiratory disorders. While their therapeutic effects on the airways are well documented, their impact on pulmonary oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms remains less understood. This study investigated the effects of these drugs and their combinations on oxidative stress biomarkers and total protein concentration in lung tissue. Experimental animals were assigned to eight groups (n = 4): negative control, positive control, salbutamol, montelukast, prednisolone, salbutamol/prednisolone, salbutamol/montelukast, and prednisolone/montelukast. Lung tissue homogenates were analyzed for total protein concentration, antioxidant enzyme activitiesincluding superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-and oxidative markers, specifically hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO). Data were expressed as mean ±SEM and analyzed by one-way ANOVA with significance set at p < 0.05. Total protein concentration and catalase activity were not significantly altered in any treatment group compared with the negative control (p > 0.05). Prednisolone treatment significantly increased SOD activity relative to the negative control (p < 0.05), whereas GPx activity was elevated only in the positive control group. Montelukast significantly increased H202 levels compared with the negative control, but H202 levels in the salbutamol, montelukast, and prednisolone groups were significantly lower than the positive control. Nitric oxide concentration decreased in the positive control and prednisolone groups relative to the negative control, while montelukast treatment caused a significant increase in NO compared with the positive control (p < 0.05).

Caffeine belongs to the methylxathine class and is recognized as the most utilized psychoactive stimulant worldwide. Kola nitida, also known as kola nut, is widely consumed for its alkaloid properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of caffeine and kola nitida extract on the gross behavioral patterns of wistar rats. Thirty (30) wistar rats of both sexes and of comparable size and weight were used for this study. The doses investigated ranged from 10mg/kg - 160mg/kg. The animals were grouped into 3, consisting of ten (10) animals each. GROUP 1 (control group) of ten 10) animals were administered 0.4ml of 0.9% saline solution, GROUP 2 (treatment group) of ten (10) animals each, were administered with 10-160mg/kg doses of caffeine orally, GROUP 3 (treatment group) of ten (10) animals each, were administered with 10-160mg/kg doses of Kola nitida extract administered orally. Gross behavioral parameters of climbing, line crossing, hinding, stereotype movement, drinking, rearing, scratching, aggression and grooming were studied using the open field test. Prior to the test, all the animals were acclimatized for 8 minutes in the open field apparatus. Frequency of each behavior was scored manually and statistical analysis was done using graph pad prism after the duration of the experiment. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tuckey's post hoc test was used to check for the differences between the means. Results showed that caffeine significantly (p < 0.05–0.0001) increased locomotor activities, including line crossing, climbing, and hinding up to 40 mg/kg, after which activities declined at higher doses (80–160 mg/kg). Conversely, kola nitida induced a dose-dependent reduction in locomotor and exploratory behaviors at low to moderate doses, though mild increases were seen at 160 mg/kg. Both substances altered grooming, scratching, and aggression differently, suggesting dose-dependent and substance-specific modulation of central nervous system (CNS) excitability. The findings support previous evidence that caffeine acts as a potent CNS stimulant, while kola nitida, though containing caffeine, also possesses compounds (theobromine, tannins) that modulate or counteract pure caffeine’s stimulant effect.

Anxiety stress, characterized by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses, is a well-established pathophysiological factor implicated in the development and progression of anxiety disorders. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative due to its high oxygen consumption and lipid rich content. Watermelon juice (Citrullus lanatus) is rich in antioxidants like Lycopene and L-Citrulline, offering a potential natural intervention. This study investigated the effects of watermelon juice on anxiety-related behavior in oxidative- stressed Sprague Dawley rats. Fifty-four rats were divided into four groups: a control, an oxidative stress-induced group, a group treated with Vitamin C, and a group receiving watermelon juice intervention. Oxidative stress was induced with phenyl hydrazine. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM). The results indicate that watermelon juice supplementation significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors, demonstrating its potential as a functional dietary intervention for mitigating the effects of oxidative stress. Data were analyzed using Grad Pad Prism version 10, and results were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM), with p≤ 0.05 considered significant. The results showed that watermelon juice reduced anxiety performance and reduced oxidative stress levels compared to the untreated induced rats.

Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from a hotter system to a cooler system through conduction, convection and radiation. Biomass smoke, produced from the combustion of wood, charcoal, crop residues, and animal dung, is a complex mixture of harmful pollutants including fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), is a traditional and popular vegetable in many parts of the world regularly consumed as part of the normal diet, either fresh or after processing for its nutritional benefits. This study aims to investigate the histopathological and hematological protective effects of beetroot extract in heat and biomass smoke-induced pulmonary damage in Wistar Rats. Forty-nine (49) adult female rats were divided into seven groups (n=7), including control, heat-only, smoke-only, smoke + heat, heat + beetroot, smoke + beetroot and heat + treasmoke + treatment. The hematological results indicate that exposure to smoke alone caused a significant reduction in total white blood cell count, while other groups showed no such decline. Red blood cell and hemoglobin levels dropped notably in rats exposed to smoke and combined heat and smoke, but these values improved with beetroot pretreatment. Most red cell and platelet indices remained unchanged, though MPV and PLCR increased in the heat-only group and were normalized by beetroot extract. Overall, beetroot treatment effectively mitigated hematological disruptions induced by heat and smoke exposure. Histologically, Vascular and bronchiolar ulceration and interstitial inflammation were seen in the lung tissue of the smoke only, heat only and smoke + treatment respectively. Animals in the beetroot treated groups had normal alveoli, bronchiolar dilation and bronchiolar ulceration (heat + beetroot, smoke + beetroot and heat + smoke + beetroot respectively. Beetroot treatment markedly restored WBC, RBC, HGB, and HCT levels and normalized platelet indices, demonstrating its hematoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. These protective actions are attributed to beetroot’s rich composition of betalains, polyphenols, flavonoids, and dietary nitrates, which enhance nitric oxide bioavailability, scavenge reactive oxygen species, and suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines. Beetroot extract therefore shows promise as a natural, affordable antioxidant remedy against heat and biomass smoke-induced hematological toxicity.

Infertility remains a major reproductive health concern, often influenced by hormonal imbalance and impaired uterine morphology. The present study evaluated the modulatory effects of Jatropha tanjorensis on fertility hormones and uterine structure in Ocimum gratissimum treated female Wistar rats. Thirty (30) adult female Wistar rats weighing 130–160g were randomly divided into five groups of six animals each. Group I served as control and received Food and water; Group II received Ocimum gratissimum extract (500 mg/kg); Group III received Jatropha tanjorensis extract (500 mg/kg); Group IV received a combined extract of both plants (500 mg/kg each); and Group V served as a Proginova-treated or recovery group. Extracts were administered orally for twenty-eight (28) days. Blood samples were collected for hormonal assay, and ovarian and uterine tissues were excised for histological evaluation.The results revealed that administration of O. gratissimum and J. tanjorensis significantly increased serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) (p < 0.05), whereas estrogen and progesterone levels decreased across treatment groups when compared with control. Co-administration of both extracts produced an intermediate hormonal profile, suggesting partial modulation of the antifertility effects induced by O. gratissimum. Prolactin and testosterone levels were elevated, indicating possible disruption of steroidogenic enzyme activity. Histological examination of the uterus showed reduced endometrial thickness and mild stromal vacuolation in treated groups, consistent with hormonal findings.In conclusion, Jatropha tanjorensis and Ocimum gratissimum significantly influenced female reproductive hormones and uterine morphology. The combined administration resulted in moderated but persistent endocrine alterations, implying complex phytochemical interactions. These findings suggest that chronic or unregulated use of these plants for fertility enhancement may pose reproductive risks. Further molecular and mechanistic studies are recommended to elucidate their exact hormonal pathways.

The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a widely-used submaximal field walking test used to evaluate functional exercise capacity. It assesses the distance an individual can walk on a flat, hard surface in six minutes and the final distance is recorded in meters. This study was aimed to investigate changes in oxidative stress marker levels in young adult males of different genotypes post functional exercise at the University of Benin. Forty-four (44) healthy young adult males aged 18-29 years were recruited for this study. Oxidative stress arises from an imbalance between elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and insufficient antioxidant defenses Oxidative stress marker levels were measured pre and post-test. The analysis was done at the chemical pathology laboratory of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. 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. The results showed that there was no significant change in the oxidative stress marker levels relative to genotype.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is Oxidative stress and inflammation are interconnected thatcontribute to a tropical fruit renowned for its hydrating qualities and rich nutritional content. It contains vital micronutrients such as vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as minerals and phytochemicals like lycopene and L-citrulline. These bioactive compounds possess significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to maintaining normal physiological function and protecting body systems from oxidative damage. Several studies have reported that natural fruit extracts, including watermelon juice, can enhance behavioral responses and regulate biochemical and hematological indices under oxidative or inflammatory stress conditions (Perkins-Veazie & Collins, 2021; Olayemi et al., 2020). physiological disturbances tissue injury, aging, and disease development. An imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the body’s antioxidant defenses can result in cellular damage affecting major organs, particularly the brain and circulatory system (Adebayo et al., 2019). Such pathological conditions often impair locomotor performance and alter blood and immune parameters. Therefore, evaluating the influence of watermelon juice—a naturally antioxidant-rich beverage—offers valuable insights into dietary interventions that may alleviate oxidative damage and preserve normal physiological functions.