SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

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

Bread is a staple food widely consumed in Nigeria, yet concerns persist about the use of potassium bromate as a flour improver, despite its ban due to potential health risks including cancer and kidney damage. This study aimed to compare the levels of potassium bromate in bread samples collected from two Local Government Areas (Oredo and Uhunmwonde) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of twelve unsliced bread samples were randomly collected from various markets, roadside vendors, and bakeries across the two LGAs. The samples were analyzed using spectrophotometric methods to determine the presence and concentration of potassium bromate. The results were statistically compared to identify variations between the two areas and assess compliance with regulatory standards. This study highlights the potential public health implications associated with potassium bromate contamination in bread and emphasizes the need for regular monitoring and enforcement of food safety regulations.

Aspartame (ASP) is an artificial sweetener used in food products as an alternative to sugar. Concerns relating to the possible adverse health effects of its consumption have been raised due to aspartame’s metabolic components which are formed during its breakdown. Some research studies have associated aspartame consumption with health disorders such as cancers, neurochemical changes, hepatotoxicity etc, since the liver helps in the metabolism and detoxification of harmful substances and drugs, it acts as a filter to clean the blood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aspartame on liver function parameters in male Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were thirty-one (31) and were divided into five (5) groups: control, groups B-E. Group A (control) received 0.5ml of plain distilled water via gastric gavage. Group B, Group C, Group D, and Group E received (40, 80, 160, 320) mg/kg respectively for a duration of 75days. Results from this study showed a dose-dependent increase in serum Alkaline Transaminase (ALT) concentration between the control and the groups administered aspartame, but the liver ALT showed no significant difference. However, there was no significant difference between the means of the serum Aspartate Transaminase (AST) of the control group and groups administered aspartame. Also the result shows a dose dependent decrease in serum Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), and a non significant difference in the means of liver ALP. Result from the present study showed significant difference in serum Gammaglutamyl Transferase (GGT) only when the control group was compared with the group administered 40mg/kg. However, the serum protein, heart protein and liver protein results between all groups in this study, showed no significant difference, but however a significant decrease was observed in the kidney proteins of the rats administered aspartame, especially in the group that received 160mg/kg. The level of testis protein increased in the groups that received 80mg/kg and 160mg/kg when compared to control. However, the amount of serum globulin in the aspartame-administered groups was not different from that of the control group. Aspartame may act as a chemical stressor by altering organ function homeostasis and increasing protein oxidative damage. This might play a significant role in promoting apoptotic cell death leading to damage of the organs and subsequently death.

Background/Aim: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, often leading to academic, social, and occupational difficulties. While pharmacological treatments are widely used, challenges such as suboptimal adherence and limited access highlight the need for complementary psychosocial interventions. Motivational Interviewing (MI), a client-centred counselling approach, has shown potential in enhancing intrinsic motivation, improving treatment adherence, and supporting behavioural change. However, no scoping review has comprehensively synthesized evidence on the use of MI for adolescents and adults with ADHD. This review aimed to map and synthesise existing studies on MI in ADHD management, focusing on outcomes assessed, intervention formats, delivery modes, and providers. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collections, and AJOL for studies published in English Language. Eligible studies included adolescents (10–19 years) and adults (≥19 years) diagnosed with ADHD and receiving MI as a stand-alone or adjunct intervention. Protocols, commentaries, abstracts, and non-English studies were excluded. Screening and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Results were summarised using descriptive tables and narrative synthesis, adhering to the PRISMA-ScR framework. Results: From 390 records identified, 6 studies met the inclusion criteria. Five were randomized controlled trials and one was a follow-up study, primarily evaluating the Supporting Teens’ Autonomy Daily (STAND) programme, which integrates MI with behavioural skills training. All studies include adolescents with none on adults and was carried out only in United States of America. Outcomes commonly assessed included ADHD symptom severity, treatment adherence, organization, and academic/ functional skills. Clinic-based trials demonstrated that MI enhanced symptom management, organizational skills, and medication adherence. Community-based studies showed mixed results, with improvements mainly in medication engagement and conduct problems rather than core ADHD symptoms. Conclusion: This review highlights the emerging role of MI as a promising adjunctive intervention for adolescents with ADHD, particularly in enhancing medication adherence and functional skills. However, evidence remains limited, geographically narrow, and focused only on adolescents, leaving significant gaps regarding its application in adults. Future research should diversify populations and context management.

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