Eme E. Osim

Serum liver enzymes profile of Wistar rats following chronic consumption of fresh or oxidized palm oil diets

The effect of chronic consumption of palm oil diets on serum levels of some liver enzymes in rat was investigated. Two groups of rats were fed on either fresh or thermally oxidized palm oil, mixed at 15% level for 18 weeks and their effects on serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1), aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1) and alanine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.2) enzymes were compared with a control group receiving normal rat feed. The levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the two groups were significantly higher (P < 0.05-0.01) than control. Mean ALP levels were significantly different in the two test groups (P < 0.05). Similarly, there was significant elevation (P < 0.05-0.01) of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in oxidized oil-fed and fresh oil-fed groups when compared with the control. The mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the oxidized oil-fed group than the control and fresh oil-fed groups. The results indicate that chronic consumption of thermoxidized palm oil, with its accompanying hazardous free radicals, may be more injurious to liver cell integrity than fresh palm oil.

Comparative effects of Rauwolfia vomitoria and chlorpromazine on locomotor behaviour and anxiety in mice

AIM OF THE STUDY Since remedies for mental disorders have been sought through both orthodox and traditional medicine this study compared the effects of the antipsychotic, chlorpromazine (Cpz), the herb Rauwolfia vomitoria (RV) and its alkaloid reserpine (Res) in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety male CD-1 strain of mice (75-80 days old; 30-34 g body weight) were divided into 3 major groups and each consisting 5 subgroups (n=6). Cpz (0.0, 0.25, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg, i.p.), was administered 30 min before testing. RV (0.0, 0.25, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg, i.p.) and Res (0.0, 0.1, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered 24 h before testing. The open field test was used to assess locomotor and exploratory behaviour, acceleratory rotarod for motor coordination, light/dark box for anxiety. RESULTS CPZ dose-dependently decreased locomotor and exploration behaviour and impaired motor coordination (p<0.01). RV also decreased locomotor behaviour at 4.0 mg/kg (p<0.5) but did not alter exploration and motor coordination. Res however, decreased locomotion and exploration and impaired motor coordination 0.8 and 1.6 mg/kg (p<0.05). In the light/dark box, CPZ increased anxiety related behaviour at 1.0, 2.0 mg/kg (p<0.05) whereas RV dose-dependently decreased anxiety from 1.0 to 4.0 mg/kg (p<0.01). Res, unlike RV, dose-dependently increased anxiety related behaviour from 0.4 to 1.6 mg/kg. CONCLUSION Root bark extract from Rauwolfia vomitoria produced better behavioural effects with less distortion in motor coordination when compared to chlorpromazine and so has a great potential as an alternative antipsychotic agent compared to chlorpromazine. Since Res did not produce same effects as RV, the effect of RV may not be due solely to Res as claimed.

Comparative effects of Rauwolfia vomitoria and chlorpromazine on social behaviour and pain

Background: Rauwolfia vomitoria has been used in Nigeria to manage psychiatric disorders despite orthodox medicine. Aims: This research was therefore aimed at comparing the effects of R. vomitoria, chlorpromazine and reserpine on social behaviour and pain in mice. Materials and Methods: Ninety male CD-1 mice (32 – 38g body weight) were grouped into 3 with 5 subgroups (n=6) each. Mice were given chlorpromazine (0.0, 0.25, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 mg/kg i.p.), 30 minutes before testing and R. vomitoria (0.0, 0.25, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 mg/kg, i.p.) and reserpine (0.0, 0.1, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6 mg/kg, i.p) 24 hours before testing. Nesting score assessed social behaviour while the tail flick and hot plate analgesiometers assessed pain. Results: Chlorpromazine dose-dependently decreased nesting score (F4,25 = 5.5660; p< 0.01), indicating decreased social behaviour (social loss) in the mice. Although R. vomitoria did not affect nesting score, reserpine decreased the nesting score (social loss). In the pain test, chlorpromazine did not alter tail flick latency but decreased hind paw lick latency in the hot plate at 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg (p< 0.01), indicating increased pain sensitivity at these doses which may indirectly increase social withdrawal and thus aggravating depression. R. vomitoria however, increased tail flick and hind paw lick latencies in the hot plate test (p< 0.05) indicating decreased pain sensitivity. Reserpine, like R. vomitoria, increased latency of hind paw lick in the hot plate. Conclusion: R. vomitoria has a high potential as an antipsychotic and may have advantage over chlorpromazine; it is not necessary to isolate active components from this herb.

Intestinal Fluid and Glucose Transport in Wistar Rats following Chronic Consumption of Fresh or Oxidised Palm Oil Diet

Chronic ingestion of thermoxidized palm oil causes functional derangement of various tissues. This study was therefore carried out to determine the effect of chronic ingestion of thermoxidized and fresh palm oil diets on intestinal fluid and glucose absorption in rats using the everted sac technique. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups of 10 rats per group. The first group was the control and was fed on normal rat chow while the second (FPO) and third groups (TPO) were fed diet containing either fresh or thermoxidized palm oil (15% wt/wt) for 14 weeks. Villus height and crypt depth were measured. The gut fluid uptake and gut glucose uptake were significantly (P < .001) lower in the TPO group than those in the FPO and control groups, respectively. The villus height in the TPO was significantly (P < .01) lower than that in FPO and control. The villus depth in TPO was significantly (P < .05) higher than that in FPO and control groups, respectively. These results suggest that ingestion of thermoxidized palm oil and not fresh palm oil may lead to distortion in villus morphology with a concomitant malabsorption of fluid and glucose in rats due to its harmful free radicals.

Gastric Ulceration in Diabetes Mellitus: Protective Role of Vitamin C

The effect of vitamin C administration on gastric acid secretion and ulcer in diabetic rats was studied. Vitamin C (200 mg/kg b.w.) was administered to both streptozotocin-induced diabetic and control groups orally for 28 days. Gastric acid secretion was measured and ulcer was induced using ethanol. Histological changes were observed in the stomach. Basal and stimulated acid secretion in diabetic control rat was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased when compared to vitamin C-treated diabetic group and control. Administration of vitamin C significantly (P < 0.05) increased the histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion in diabetics than control while reduction in gastric secretion by ranitidine was similar compared with control. Vitamin C treatment significantly (P < 0.05) reduced ulcer index in diabetic group and increased mucus weight when compared with diabetic group which was also confirmed with photomicrographs. The mean body weight of diabetic rats treated with vitamin C was comparable to the control. The blood glucose level was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced in diabetic group given vitamin C (8.9 ± 1.8 mMol/L) compared to the diabetic control (32.2 ± 2.1 g). It is concluded that vitamin C is beneficial in improving gastric acid secretion and protects against ulceration in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats due to its antioxidant potential.

Cadmium chloride–induced testicular toxicity in male wistar rats; prophylactic effect of quercetin, and assessment of testicular recovery following cadmium chloride withdrawal

This study assessed the effect of quercetin (QE) on cadmium chloride (CdCl2) - induced testicular toxicity, as well as the effect of withdrawal of CdCl2 treatment on same. Thirty male Wistar rats aged 10 weeks old and weighing 270-300g were assigned into 5 groups and used for this study. Rats in groups 1-4 were administered vehicle, CdCl2 (5mg/kg bwt), CdCl2+QE (5mg/kg bwt and 20mg/kg bwt, respectively) or QE (20mg/kg bwt) orally for 4 weeks. Group 5 rats received CdCl2, with 4 weeks recovery period. Results showed that cadmium accumulated in serum, testis and epididymis, decreased body weight, testicular and epididymal weights, sperm count, motility and viability. Cadmium decreased serum concentrations of reproductive hormones, but increased testicular glucose, lactate and lactate dehydrogenase activity. Cadmium decreased testicular enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic (glutathione, vitamins C and E) antioxidants, and increased malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide. Cadmium down-regulated Bcl-2 protein, up-regulated Bax protein, increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleaved caspase-3 activity. Histopathology of the testis showed decreased Johnsens score and Leydig cell count. These negative effects were attenuated by QE administration, while withdrawal of CdCl2 did not appreciably reverse toxicity. We conclude that QE better protected the testis from CdCl2 toxicity than withdrawal of CdCl2 administration.

Bile secretion and palm oil diets in Wistar rats

Purpose – Chronic feeding with thermoxidized palm oil causes tissue damage. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether chronic feeding of oxidized and fresh palm oil affects biliary secretion.Design/methodology/approach – Albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups of ten rats each. The first group was the control and were fed on normal rat chow, while the second (FPO) and third group (TPO) were fed diet containing either fresh or thermoxidized palm oil (15per cent (w/w)) for 14 weeks. Biliary secretion, bilirubin, electrolytes, cholesterol and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase enzymes were measured.Findings – Biliary secretion in TPO was significantly (p < 0.05) lower compared with the control or FPO. Electrolytes (Na+, Cl− and HCO3−) content of bile were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in TPO compared with control or FPO group. Conjugated and un‐conjugated bilirubin levels were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in TPO compared with ...

Effect of chronic Consumption of two Forms of palm oil diet on serum Electrolytes, Creatinine and urea in rabbits.

palm oil in the ratio 85:15g respectively. The feeding lasted for 6 months. Food intake, water intake and body weight were measured daily. At the end of the feeding period, the animals were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia and blood was collected for assessment of serum electrolytes, creatinine and urea. Results obtained showed that serum concentration of sodium was significantly (p<0.001) lower in FPO fed group, compared with control, but significantly (p<0.05) higher in TPO fed group, compared with control. Serum concentration of sodium was also significantly (p<0.001) higher in TPO fed group, compared with FPO fed group. Serum concentration of chloride was significantly lower in FPO fed group compared with control (p<0.05) and TPO fed group (p<0.001). Bicarbonate concentration was significantly (p<0.05) lower in FPO fed group, compared with control. Creatinine concentration was significantly higher (p<0.05) in TPO fed group, compared with control and FPO fed group. The observed changes in serum electrolyte and creatinine concentrations following 6 months of feeding was more in TPO fed group than FPO fed group, and is possibly detrimental to electrolyte balance.

Chronic administration of the antiretroviral nevirapine increases body weight, food, and water intake in albino Wistar rats.

Abstract Background: Nevirapine (NVP) is an antiretroviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in the blood. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of chronic administration of NVP on body weight, food, and water intake using apparently healthy albino Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty adult albino Wistar rats (50–125 g body weight) were used for the study. Rats in the control group (n=10) were fed normal rodent chow, whereas the NVP group (n=10) were fed by gavage NVP (0.4 mg/kg body weight) two times daily (07.00 h and 18.00 h) in addition to normal rodent chow for 12 weeks. All animals were allowed free access to clean drinking water. Results: Results showed that the mean daily food and water intake in the NVP group were significantly higher (p<0.001) when compared with the control group, respectively. The mean change in body weight in the NVP group was significantly higher (p<0.001) than the control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that chronic administration of NVP may increase body weight in rats, probably due to its stimulatory effects on food and water intake.

Influence of Nevirapine on Gastrointestinal Function

In recent times there has been a growing research interest in Nevirapine an antiretroviral medication that prevents human immunodeficiency virus cells from multiplying in the blood. Nevirapine comes as tablet and a suspension (liquid) often taken by mouth, it is taken with or without once a day for 2 weeks and twice a day after the first 2 weeks. It is best to swallow nevirapine with liquids such as water, milk or soda. Feeding experiments in various animal species and humans have highlighted the beneficial role of nevirapine on health. These benefits include significant reduction in acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related morbidity and mortality. However, nevirapine hypersensitivity reaction can lead to morbidity through treatment interruption, inconvenience and loss of productivity. Additionally, nevirapine has an excellent bioavailability and a long half-life. This increases the risk of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance when patients discontinue all the other antiretroviral drugs in the regimen at the same time. Thus, this can lead to decreased therapeutic options if nevirapine resistance develops. The gastrointestinal tract is a major portal of entry of nutrients into the body and nevirapine first make contact with the gastrointestinal tract. The health of an individual is dependent on the nutrient absorbed and hence functional integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have revealed that the interaction with drug have led to disruption of gastrointestinal function.