Linus A. Nwaogu

Effect of Sublethal Concentration of Heavy Metal Contamination on Soil Physicochemical Properties, Catalase and Dehydrogenase Activities

The effect of sublethal contaminations (100 μg/dm 3 ) of heavy metals such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) on soil enzyme and physicochemical properties was investigated after one hundred and twenty days. Soil sample without heavy metal contamination served as the control. Results indicate that Hg, Pb and Cd at 100 μg/dm 3

Effect of Chronic Exposure to Petroleum Hydrocarbon Pollution on Oxidative Stress Parameters and Histology of Liver Tissues of Native Fowl (Gallus domesticus)

The effect of chronic exposure to petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) pollution on the concentrations of glucose, serum and liver malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl and the histology of liver tissues of the native fowl (Gallus domesticus) from Egbema in the Niger Delta Area (NDA) was studied. Identical fowls from an unpolluted area of Mbaise served as the control. Results showed no significant difference (P<0.05) in the mean glucose concentration obtained for fowls from both environments. The values obtained for serum and liver MDA and protein carbonyl for the test and control fowls were found to be significantly (P<0.05) different. There were elevated concentrations of MDA, protein carbonyl in the serum as well as MDA from liver homogenates of fowls from Egbema when compared to those of fowls from Mbaise. Histological changes were also observed in the liver sections of fowls from Egbema as against none in the liver sections of fowls from Mbaise. These changes were characteristically necrotic and inflammatory. Thus, the findings from this study show, in clear terms, that PHC pollution (crude oil and gas flaring) markedly affected the Egbema environment and induced changes in tissues of the native fowl whose nativity and ancestry are from there. Original Research Article International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review, 4(3): 233-242, 2014 234

Atherogenic and Haematologic Indices of Paracetamol- Overdosed Albino RatsTreated With Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Euphorbia Heterophylla and JatrophaCurcas

Objective: The protective effect of aqueous leaf extracts of Euphorbia Heterophylla and Jatropha Curcas against paracetamol-induced acute changes in lipid, atherogenic and haematologic parameters of albino rats were studied. Methodology: Twenty-five adult male albino rats weighing 180 to 200 g were randomly assigned into 5 experimental groups (I-V) of five animals each. Group I animals were administered 10 ml of distilled water, while group II rats were given 1000 mg/kg paracetamol. Groups III-V were pretreated with vitamin C (500 mg/kg), E. heterophylla (200 mg/kg) and J.curcas (1000 mg/kg) respectively, 1 h before administration of 1000 mg/kg paracetamol. The animals were orally administered the extracts/drugs daily for 14 days. Result: Paracetamol administration reduced significantly (p 0.05) countered the observed effects of paracetamol overdose more than the extracts of E. heterophylla and J.curcas. Acute paracetamol overdose did not significantly (p>0.05) affect most of the atherogenic risk predictor indices and haematological parameters studied. Conclusion: The results indicate that atherogenic and haematologic indices were less responsive than lipid parameters to paracetamol-induced toxicity. Furthermore, aqueous leaf extracts of E. heterophylla and J.curcas had less protective effect than vitamin C against serum lipidaemic changes induced by paracetamol.

Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera on Oxidative Stress andAtherogenic Indices of Otapiapia-Exposed Albino Rats

Objective: Otapiapia is a locally produced, easily accessible, non-regulated household pesticide, which could easily contaminate human food. The ameliorative effect of ethanol leaf extract of Moringa oliefera on otapiapiainduced changes in oxidative stress, lipid profile and atherogenic indices of albino rats was investigated using standard methods. Methodology: Twenty-four apparently healthy Wister male albino rats (150-180 g) were divided into 4 groups (IIV) of 6 animals each. Group I served as the control, while group II animals were given otapiapia contaminated feed and distilled water. Group III were fed uncontaminated diet and M. oleifera extract drink. Group IV animals were also given the contaminated diet and M. oliefera extract. The feed and drinks were provided ad libitum for a period of 14 days. Result: The results show that intake of otapiapia significantly (p<0.05) reduced serum superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and HDL-c concentration but increased significantly (p<0.05) the concentrations of malondialdehyde, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL-c and VLDL-c. The derangements were significantly more pronounced in the atherogenic predictor indices than with lipid profile values. The observed effects of otapiapia were significantly (p<0.05) countered by administration of M. oliefera leaf extract. Conclusion: The results indicate that M. oleifera is a potent anti-poison with ameliorative effect against otapiapia-induced changes in biomarkers of oxidative and atherogenic damages in animals.

Detoxification potentials of an alcoholic bitter on carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative damage in wistar albino rats

The increased demand for herbal remedies and natural quest for alcohol consumption has positioned alcoholic herbal preparations (bitters) as ideal drink. Bitters are acclaimed to have blood detoxifying and liver cleansing potentials. This study investigated the acclaimed detoxifying potentials of an alcoholic bitter (AB) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced toxicity. Twenty five male Wistar albino rats were grouped and treated, thus: group I served as normal control, groups II, IV and V were given single dose of 1.2 ml CCl4/kg body weight (bwt). Groups IV and V were administered 1.4 and 2.8 ml AB/kg bwt, respectively, while group III animals were administered 1.4 ml AB/kg bwt. Results obtained showed significant (p<0.05) increase in lipid peroxidation and in activities of liver function enzymes, reductions in glutathione concentration and activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reductase in groups administered AB and CCl4 only as well as in groups treated with AB after CCl4 exposure. These observations indicate manifestation of oxidative stress induced by excessive consumption of high percentage alcoholic content of the bitter. Similarly, the result trends of other antioxidant parameters studied indicated significant oxidative damage and thus the inability of the alcoholic bitter to ameliorate xenobiotics induced damage. Key words: Alcohol, bitters, toxicants, oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity, xenobiotics.

Management of Changes in Liver Chemistry in Male Rats Acutely Exposed to Crude Petroleum Oil

This Study investigated the protective effect of Gongronema latifolium supplemented diet against acute hepatotoxicity induced by crude petroleum oil on male rats. Oral exposure of rats to crude petroleum significantly decreased (P<0.05) the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Significant decrease in concentrations of glutathione and increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) was observed also, but catalase activity decreased nonsignificantly. Activities of these oxidative stress enzymes and concentrations of glutathione and MDA in rats exposed to crude petroleum and fed simultaneously with 20% G. latifolium supplemented diet were close to those obtained in control rats. Fluctuations in liver function parameters and serum lipid profile were observed. These results indicate that consumption of G. latifolium supplemented diet has protective effect against crude oil induced liver tissue damage.