SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Iron is one of the integral components of many biochemical properties which is maintained normal physiological activities for the healthy life. Insufficient iron causes different effects at the cellular level like limited oxygen supply, meager work performance and reduces immunity. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the varied concentration of Gongronema latifolium leave extract on iron metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster. Samples were 1-2 days old virgin male and female Drosophila melanogaster fed with varied concentration of Utazi leaf extract supplemented corn meal diet. The control subjects include 1-2 days old virgin male and female Drosophila melanogaster fed with only corn meal diet and distilled water. The survival assay was carried out in three replicates of each concentration, for the determination of biochemical assays, a second group experiment was carried out. Ferritin ELISA kit was used to determined the Ferritin level, TIBC was determine using TIBC ELISA kit, serum iron was determined using serum iron ELISA kit. Results show that the average percentage survival was observed to be the highest in Group 5 having 80 percent of flies still alive at day 21. The Survival curve showed a negative correlation curve which shows that as the days increase, survival decreases. Group 1, the control group, exhibited a Ferritin level of 0.42±0.44, while Group 2, treated with aqueous Utazi extract, showed a slightly lower Ferritin level of 0.40±0.00. However, Group 3 (given Utazi extract), Group 4 (administered 5.0 mg Utazi extract), and Group 5 (given 2.5mg and 0.1mg of Utazi extract, respectively) demonstrated significant changes (p <0.001) in Ferritin levels, with Group 4 having the lowest level at 0.22±0.18. there was also highly significant difference (F=128.969, p=0.000*) in Ferritin levels among the group. Iron levels varied significantly among the groups, with Group 3 exhibiting the highest levels (16.18±18.46) and Group 2 the lowest (4.65±0.00). TIBC levels followed a similar trend, with Group 3 having the highest value (38.29±15.43) and Group 2 the lowest (6.33±0.00). The ANOVA analysis for TIBC showed significant differences (F=31.389, p=0.000*) among the groups. In conclusion, the study revealed a decreasing survival rate with increasing number of days that is a negative correlation between the concentration of Utazi leaf extract in the diet and on the survival of Drosophila melanogaster, suggesting potential toxicity at higher concentrations. Additionally, significant alterations in Ferritin, Iron, and Total Iron- Binding Capacity (TIBC) levels among experimental groups was observed, indicating that Utazi leaf extract can influence iron metabolism in fruit flies

Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum. and Thonn) Taub, is a leguminous multipurpose tree (Mimosoideae) indigenous to tropical Africa. The plant has long medicinal significance as a molluscide, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. This study evaluated the effect of Tetrapleura tetraptera saponins on cardiac histology of Streptozotocin diabetic Wistar rats. Saponin fraction of T. tetraptera stem bark was orally administered to streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats at 10, 20 and 40mg/kg body weight (Group 4, 5 and 6). The effect of saponins on cardiac histology of the treated diabetic rats were compared with untreated control rats (Group 1), untreated diabetic control rats (Group 2) and metformin treated diabetic rats (Group 3) after 12 weeks of treatment. Treatment with graded doses of Tetrapleura tetraptera saponins and standard drug metformin resolved the lesions remarkably in the heart tissue with 20mg/kg body weight extract comparing favorably with metformin. There was an additional beneficial effect of vasodilation and increase in blood flow by the extract. The results from this study revealed that Tetrapleura tetraptera saponins ameliorated Streptozotocin induced pathology of heart tissues and may have resolved the lesions remarkably in the heart, with 20mg/kg body weight dose proving to have the best therapeutic effect.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. Several biological structural trace elements involved in various vital metabolic processes relating to health and diseases include calcium and zinc has been proved to have a role in decreasing inflammatory pain, joint stiffness and other disabling symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. The purpose of the present study was to estimate the serum levels of some essential trace element such as calcium,copper, zinc, selenium and vitamin D and K in elderly patients with OA. A total of 300 patients comprising of one hundred and fifty OA subjects and 150 non osteoarthritis subjects were recruited for this study. Atomic absorption spectroscopy were used to measure the serum concentrations of Ca, Cu, Zn, Se, after it has been properly digested with its specific solution while Vitamin D and K was measured using HPLC and spectrophotometer respectively after treating with its specific solution and the results were compared with those of healthy controls. The socio-demographics characteristic of osteoarthritis and non-osteoarthritis subjects depicts no significant difference when compared with measured values across all age group. Majority of the subjects with osteoarthritis were female than male with a percentage difference of 60.7% and 39.3% respectively. The measured mineral concentration (calcium, copper and zinc) of osteoarthritis were significantly lower (p<0.001) than non-osteoarthritis subject between the distributions (p<001). However, zinc was not significant (P = 0.121). The results showed that 92/150(61.3%) of subjects with osteoarthritis had calcium level below the reference range,113/150(75.3%) of copper, 30/150(20.0%) of zinc and 25/150(16.7%) of selenium were below normal reference range. Similarly, among non- osteoarthritis subjects tested the results showed that 40/150(26.7%) of the subjects had calcium
level below the reference range, 69/150(46.0%) of copper, 20/150(13.3%) of zinc and 8/150(5.3%) of selenium were below normal reference range. The levels of vitamins D and K between osteoarthritis and non-osteoarthritis control groups showed that about 19.3% of the cases with osteoarthritis had a low level of Vitamin K compared to only 9.3% of the apparently healthy controls. This difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.013). Also, 30.7% and 5.3% of osteoarthritis and non-osteoarthritis subjects respectively had low level of vitamin D (P < 0.001). Osteoarthritis is not age dependent, the proportion of subjects within age group of 61-70 years had the highest percentage of osteoarthritis (56.0%). While the subjects within age group 70-80 years old had the lowest 5.3% of osteoarthritis. Means of all parameters compared were all found to be significantly different at 0.05 level except age which shows a very high significant difference (P > 0.116) between osteoarthritis and non-osteoarthritis subjects. It is therefore recommended that all patients with osteoarthritis should routine undergo structural trace element measurement.

Overnight fasting which is a form of Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary approach where individuals consume regular meals during specific intervals and then undergo extended periods with minimal or no energy intake for time periods that can range from 12hours to several days, on recurring basis which has same health benefits as overnight fasting. Inflammatory ratios, which are used in medical diagnostics are calculated by analyzing the level or ratios of certain blood markers, including neutrophils, fibrinogen, platelets and others, to assess the presence and severity of inflammation in the body.

Aspartame, an artificial non-saccharide sweetener is commonly used as a sugar substitute in foods and beverages. Aspartame has been reported to negatively influence spermatogenesis; a process in which Transforming Growth Factor Beta-Induced Factor 2 Like, X-Linked (TGIF2LX) gene is required for normal cellular proliferation levels and for differentiation processes. The aim
of this study was to investigate the effect of aspartame on Transforming Growth Factor BetaInduced Factor 2 Like, X-Linked (TGIF2LX) in male Sprague Dawley rats, for this study, 31 pre-pubertal male Sprague-Dawley rats were grouped into 5. Group 1 received 0.5ml distilled water, while aspartame was administered orally via gastric gavage at 40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg, 160
mg/kg, and 320 mg/kg body weight to group 2, 3, 4, and 5 respectively for 75 days. The results showed a dose dependent decrease was observed in the relative expression of the TGIF2LX gene amongst the groups administered aspartame, starting from 40 mg/kg aspartame to 160 mg/kg aspartame. In conclusion, the decreased expression might be an indication that aspartame can suppress normal cellular proliferation levels and for differentiation processes rather than stimulate them.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of methanol extract of Spondias mombin also known as yellow mombin (YM) on urea and creatinine levels in high fat fed diets. A total of 45 albino Wistar rats were randomized into five groups each of nine animals as follows:Group 1 (Normal Control): Rats fed with standard diet and with no high-fat diet or extract treatment,Group 2 (HFD Control): Rats fed with high-fat diet without any treatment,Group 3 (HFD + Low Dose Spondias mombin Extract): Rats fed with high-fat diet and treated with 200 mg/kg body weight of Spondias mombin extract,Group 4 (HFD + High Dose Spondias mombin Extract): Rats fed with high-fat diet and treated with 400 mg/kg body weight of Spondias mombin extract,Group 5 (HFD + Spondias mombin ): Rats fed with high-fat diet and treated with The methanol extract was administered via oral gavage once daily for four weeks. The choice of oral administration reflects the potential human application of the plant extract as a dietary supplement or therapeutic agent.YM has a high antioxidant activity and significant amounts of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, vitamin C, dietary fibre, and minerals.The results show that Group 1 had a mean creatinine level of (0.65 ± 0.07 mg/dL), while Group 2 had a mean creatinine level of (0.83 ± 0.04 mg/dL). Groups 3, 4, and 5 had mean creatinine levels of 0.75 ± 0.07 mg/dL, 0.78 ± 0.11 mg/dL, and 0.75 ± 0.07 mg/dL, respectively and Group 2 had significantly higher urea levels compared to Groups 1, 3, and 5.This suggests that the high-fat diet without Spondias mombin extract supplementation led to increased creatinine levels, indicating impaired kidney function. On the other hand, Groups 1, 3, and 5, which received Spondias mombin extract supplementation, had lower creatinine levels, indicating improved kidney function.

Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (Roselle) is an annual shrub which is popular in Asian and African countries including Nigeria. It is used as a medicinal plant for the treatment of various disease conditions such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia [Chukwunonso K. Nwabufo and O Olusanya, (2017) ] This study was undertaken to investigate the mitigating effect of Aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx on lead induced toxicity on testes and epididymis of adult Wistar rats. Twenty male rats weighing 150g - 180g were used for this study, the rats were divided randomly into four groups A, B, C, and D consisting of 5 rats each. Group A served as control group and B, C, D were treatment groups. The rats were fed with Grower's mash animal feed and given water throughout the period of this study (60 days). Group A was just given food and water. Treatment group B was given 0.1ml of lead acetate via orogastric tube for 60 days. Group C was given Hibiscus sabdariffa extract 500mg/kg BW for 60 days. Group D was given 0.1ml of lead acetate and Hibiscus sabdariffa Aqueous extract 500mg/kg for 60 days. This study suggests that Hibiscus sabdariffa extract has some curative and preventive effect against testes and epididymis toxicity caused by lead acetate. These effects were supported by the restoration of histological architecture of the testes

Soybean is an annual herbaceous legume plant that has diverse applications, serving as animal feed, fodder, and human food and beverage, including flour, starch, oil, spices, and culinary herbs. Soybean have been reported to have a variety of pharmacological properties including hepatoprotective activity. It’s effect on the fetus is rather relatively unknown. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of soybean (Glycine max) on the histology of fetal liver in Wistar rats. Eighteen (18) adult juvenile Wistar rats with an average weight of 60 g were randomly assigned into three (3) groups (A-C). Group A served as control; Group B was administered 250 mg/Kg body weight of Glycine max; Group C was administered 250 mg/Kg body weight of Glycine max.The administration lasted for 21 days and was done orally using an orogastric tube. After the duration of administration, the animals were weighed, anaesthetized and sacrificed, with the liver processed for routine hematoxylin and eosin staining for histological
evaluation. From this study, results showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in body weight change in the groups administered Glycine max when compared to control. There was also a significant decrease (p<0.05) in fetal weight and Crown-rump length in the group given 500mg/Kg body weight of Glycine max when compared to control. Histological findings showed relatively normal liver architecture in the groups given Glycine max when compared to control as evidenced by developing hepatocytes radiating from central vein, and sinusoids. In conclusion, findings from this study suggest that Soybean resulted in significant alterations in maternal and fetal health outcomes (especially at 500 mg/Kg body weight dosage). However, the observed effects may be primarily physiological as there were histological alterations.

An Experimental Study in Adult Wistar Rats Metal poisoning and its impact on human health have increased due to industrialization and anthropogenic activities. This study aims to investigate the effect of glycine on cadmium-induced gastric damage in adult Wistar rats. Thirty rats were divided into six groups, including control, cadmium only, glycine only, and combinations of cadmium and glycine. Various biochemical markers were assessed, including oxidative stress indicators (SOD, MDA, CAT) and total protein. Histological analyses were performed on stomach tissues. Cadmium administration led to reduced body weight and
increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating oxidative damage. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity decreased, revealing compromised antioxidant defenses. However, catalase activity was largely unaffected by cadmium. Interestingly, glycine administration showed positive effects. It attenuated cadmium-induced MDA increase, maintained glutathione levels, and improved SOD activity. It also increased total protein levels. Histological observations demonstrated that cadmium induced inflammatory responses, muscle degeneration, and congestion in the stomach. Glycine treatment mitigated these effects, leading to near-normal
tissue architecture. This study demonstrates that cadmium exposure can lead to oxidative stress and cellular damage, while glycine supplementation can exert a gastro-ameliorative effect by enhancing antioxidant defenses, maintaining glutathione levels, and mitigating histological alterations. These findings offer insight into the potential therapeutic benefits of glycine against cadmium-induced gastric damage. Glycine's availability and safety make it a promising avenue for further research and development of affordable gastro-ameliorative interventions

Microorganisms are living things ordinarily too small to be seen without magnification, in terms of numbers and range of distribution, microbes are the dominant organisms on earth. The hands are probably the most exposed organs of the human body, to environmental bacterial contamination. They are the central organs for the physical manipulation and control of the surrounding environment. Wash hand basins are common amenities provided in toilets and other facilities used primarily for washing of hands and other purposes. They can become contaminated thereby putting the general public at a risk of infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bacterial contamination of wash hand basins in University of Benin Community, Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria.A total of 100 samples were collected asceptically from wash hand basins in toilets and other public facilities in University of Benin using sterile swab sticks moistened in normal saline. Swab samples were collected specifically from the knob of the taps
and the surface area where hands are rested on and analyzed by culturing on chocolate and MacConkey media and biochemical tests were carried out on isolates.The result from the study shows the prevalence of bacterial contaminating wash hand basins was 58.6%. A total of eight (8) bacteria isolated, which are Klebsiella spp, Providencia spp, Pseudomonas spp, Streptococcus
faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter spp, Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. However, Staphylococcus aureus has the highest prevalence rate of 36.6% which was followed by Klebsiella spp. With 19.5%, Escherichia coli with 14.6%, Enterobacter spp. With 12.2%, Providencia spp. Pseudomonas spp. and Proteus mirabilis has 4.9% each, and lastly Streptococcus faecaliswith 2.4% respectively. In conclusion, this study determined the distribution of bacterial transfer rates between various site of sampling surfaces of wash hand basins commonly encountered during hand washing in the University environment. The results shows a relatively high prevalence that bacterial transfer rates among student hands and wash 11 hand basins surfaces are highly variable, and faucet spigots may be a significant source of cross- contamination. Therefore, daily cleaning and disinfection in conjunction with a regular hygiene service are recommended to reduce cross-infection risks in washrooms and toilets .