Wistar rat

Icacina trichantha is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, including antioxidative and hematoprotective effects. Over the past decade, interest has grown in exploring the impact of medicinal plants on gene regulation and hematological parameters.The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of the Signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 (STAT5) gene in aluminium chloride-induced anaemia bearing Wistar rats treated with Icacina trichantha aqueous leaf extract. A total of sixty (60) adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into six (6) groups; A, B, C, D, E and F representing control, aluminum chloride group, ferrous sulfate group, aluminum chloride + 100mg/kg Icacina trichantha, aluminum chloride + 200mg/kg Icacina trichantha and aluminum chloride + 400mg/kg Icacina trichantha respectively. 5 milliliters (5ml) of blood sample were drawn from each rat, and haematological parameters and mRNA of STAT5 was determined using ERMA haematology autoanalyzer and polymerase chain reaction respectively. Data obtained was analyzed using the GraphPad prism software. The comparison of haematological parameters amongst the study groups showed that Mean cell volume (MCV) (µm3) was significantly lower in group F (54.64±0.96) when compared to group C (58.22±0.49) (p<0.05). Mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) (pg) was significantly lower in group F (18.72±0.23) when compared to group C (19.66±0.07) (p<0.05). Platelet distribution width (PDW %) was significantly lower in group E (8.96±0.27) when compared to group D (10.6±0.31) (p<0.05). Groups B, C, D, E, and F showed significantly higher mRNA expression of STAT5 when compared to group A (p<0.05). Groups D, E and F had a higher mRNA expression of STAT5 when compared to group A and B (p<0.05). Group F also had a higher mRNA expression of STAT5 when compared to group D (p<0.05). In conclusion, administration of aluminum chloride and Icacina trichantha aqueous leaf extract led to significant effects on some haematological parameters although the mRNA expression showed dose-dependent alterations in the gene expression of STAT5.

Colorectal cancer is a major health concern worldwide, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in the colon or rectum. While conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery exist, they can be physically and emotionally taxing. This study investigates the ameliorating effects of chloroform extracts of Phyllanthus amarus and Piper guineense on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)- induced colorectal cancer in Wistar rats. The research aimed to determine the potential of these plant extracts in mitigating oxidative stress and tissue damage caused by DMH exposure. 18 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: a control group, a DMH-only group, and a treatment group receiving DMH along with 250 mg/kg of the chloroform extract. DMH was administered orally using a dolphin’s gavage for 8 weeks (twice a week).At the end of DMH administration, 250 mg/kg bwt of Chloroform fraction of P.amarus and P.guinensis were administered with the aid of a dolphin’s gavage for 2 weeks (daily) treatment period. Biochemical markers such as liver and kidney function enzymes, oxidative stress indicators (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde), and serum electrolytes as well as Tumor Protein 53(TP53)were analyzed. The results indicated a significant increase in oxidative stress markers in the DMH-only group, while rats treated with the plant extracts exhibited improved antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced markers of tissue damage. These findings suggest that Phyllanthus amarus and Piper guineense possess potential chemoprotective properties against DMH-induced colorectal cancer through antioxidant mechanisms. Further research is necessary to explore their clinical applicability and potential therapeutic benefits in cancer prevention and treatment.

Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, with the spleen playing a crucial role in both parasite clearance and disease pathogenesis. This study investigated the histopathological effects of malaria parasites on the spleen using albino Wistar rats infected with varying concentrations of Plasmodium berghei. Sixteen rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (n=4), low infection (10² parasitized red blood cells, n=4), medium infection (10⁴ parasitized red blood cells, n=4), and high infection (10⁶ parasitized red blood cells, n=4). Animals were observed for 14 days before sacrifice and histopathological examination.All infected groups experienced significant weight loss compared to controls, with the high infection group showing the greatest reduction (-25.5±2.5g vs +17.0±0.0g in controls, p<0.001). The most striking finding was the paradoxical relationship between infection dose and spleen enlargement. The low infection group demonstrated the most pronounced splenomegaly (1.4±0.1g vs 0.7±0.1g in controls), representing a 100% increase in spleen weight. The splenic-somatic index confirmed this pattern, with the low infection group showing a two-fold increase (0.91% vs. 0.44% in controls, p<0.05). Surprisingly, histopathological examination revealed preserved tissue architecture across all groups, with normal white and red pulp organization despite significant organ enlargement. This suggests that early malaria-induced splenomegaly involvesprimarily functional rather than structural changes. The inverse dose-response relationship indicates that moderate infections may trigger optimal splenic activation, while severe infections may overwhelm the organ's adaptive capacity. These findings contribute to understanding malaria pathogenesis and emphasize that even low-level infections can have substantial physiological impacts, supporting the need for early intervention regardless of apparent infection severity.