Roland E Akhigbe

The role of Allium cepa on aluminum-induced reproductive dysfunction in experimental male rat models.

AIM: Reproductive toxicity is a major challenge associated with aluminum (Al) exposure. Studies that associated Al with reproductive dysfunction did not account for the possible influence of Allium cepa extract. This study, therefore, investigates the influence of A. cepa on aluminum-induced reproductive dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six male rats per group were assigned to one of the following four treatment groups: The control animals were on control diet. A. cepa-treated rats received 1 ml of the extract/100 g body weight (BW), Al-treated rats received 100 mg AlCl3 /kg BW, and A.cepa+Al received 1 ml of the extract/100 g BW plus 100 mg AlCl3 /kg BW. Rats were orally administered their respective doses. A. cepa treatment was for 8 weeks, while Al treatment was for the last 3 days of the experimental period. RESULTS: Results obtained showed that Al significantly decreased (P < 0.05) plasma testosterone, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), sperm count, motility, morphology and viability, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, while lipid peroxidation index [malondialdehyde (MDA)] was significantly (P < 0.05) increased. Reproductive hormones (except testosterone), sperm qualities, and enzymatic antioxidants were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in A. cepa-treated rats and A. cepa plus Al-treated rats, while MDA was significantly (P < 0.05) improved. Weights of testes were comparable in all groups. CONCLUSION: It is thus suggested that Al exerts reproductive dysfunction by oxidative damage. A. cepa antagonizes the toxic effects of AlCl3 and improves the antioxidant status and sperm quality of male rat. However, testosterone level did not increase with A. cepa treatment.

Oxidative status in rat kidney exposed to petroleum hydrocarbons

Objective: The study investigates the possible role of oxidative stress on renal tissues in association with petroleum hydrocarbon-induced nephrotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Rats of comparable weights were randomly distributed into 10 groups: Control and groups exposed to kerosene, petrol, and diesel via inhalation, contamination by food, and contamination by water. The exposure lasted for eight weeks. Results: Exposure to petroleum hydrocarbon led to significant rise in serum urea and creatinine, and renal tissue malondialdehyde. It also caused significant reduction in urinary urea and creatinine, and reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities of renal tissue homogenate. However, serum and urine concentrations of albumin and total protein were comparable in all groups. Conclusion: Results from this study shows that exposure to petroleum hydrocarbon led to renal dysfunction via oxidative stress, increasing lipid peroxidation and reducing the antioxidant defense mechanism.

Changes in Serum Electrolytes, Urea, and Creatinine in Aloe Vera-treated Rats

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Aloe vera extract (AvE) on serum electrolytes, urea, and creatinine as indices of renal function in Sprague-Dawley rats. Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 80 and 130 g were used. Rats were divided into two groups: The control and the test groups (n=6). The test group received 1 ml of AvE daily for 28 days. Both the groups fed on standard rat chow and water ad libitum. The results showed a decrease in serum levels of sodium, and potassium, but an increase in the serum levels of bicarbonate, urea, and creatinine in the test group. The changes seen were, however, statistically insignificant, except for the serum levels of sodium and creatinine (P<0.05). It is thus concluded that AvE impairs renal handling of electrolytes with consequent hyponatremia and hypercreatinemia. However, this might be of therapeutic value in conditions associated with hypernatremia.

Testicular toxicity and sperm quality following cadmium exposure in rats: Ameliorative potentials of Allium cepa

AIMS: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Allium cepa crude extract on cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 4 groups (n = 6). Group 1 was used as control, group 2 was administered 0.3 mg/kgBW of cadmium sulfate (CdSO4) intraperitoneally for 3 days, group 3 was pretreated with 1 ml/100 g BW of Allium cepa (AcE) for 8 weeks followed by intraperitoneal administration of 0.3 mg/kgBW of CdSO4 in the last 3 days of experiment, and group 4 was administered 1 ml/100 g BW of AcE throughout the experiment. Testicular weight and semen analysis revealing the sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology was carried out. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activities, and lipid peroxidation status were also carried out in testes. RESULTS: The study demonstrated that Allium cepa ameliorated CdSO4–induced alteration in testicular weight, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. It also showed that Allium cepa attenuated the derangement of lipid peroxidation profile in testicular tissues caused by CdSO4 exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The findings in the study showed that pre-treatment of rat model with Allium cepa extract prevented CdSO4–induced reproductive toxicity by improving sperm quality and enhancing testicular lipid peroxidation status.

Implication of altered thyroid state on liver function

Objective: The thyroid gland is essential for metabolism and normal function of body cells, including the liver cells. It helps in the development and maturation of the hepatocytes and other body cells and tissues. This study investigated the effect of altered thyroid state on liver function. Materials and Methods: Rats were randomized into three groups: control, hypothyroid, and hyperthyroid rats. Results: Thyroid dysfunction led to lysis of the hepatocytes. Hypothyroidism caused significant (P < 0.05) reduction of body weight gain, serum total protein, albumin, direct bilirubin, transaminases, and gamma glutamyl transferase. Hyperthyroidism led to significant (P < 0.05) body weight loss. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were associated with significant (P < 0.05) increase in liver weight and diameter. Conclusion: This study reveals that although hyperthyroid state is not associated with altered liver function, hypothyroidism caused hepatic dysfunction. We therefore suggest that liver function indices should be monitored in altered thyroid states, especially in hypothyroidism.

Antifertility activity of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta leaf ethanolic extract in male rats

BACKGROUND: Complementary medicine has grown over time with more botanicals emerging and remaining integral parts of medicare. Such botanicals include Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. AIM: This study investigated the effect of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta leaf ethanolic extract on male reproductive system using rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Control and treated rats were maintained on control diet. Treated rats also received graded doses of the extract. RESULTS: When compared with the controls, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta treatment led to significant testosterone suppression associated with consequent significant rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) and decrease in sperm count. Treatment with Cryptolepis sanguinolenta did not result in significant attenuation of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and testicular morphometry. Sperm viability, motility, and morphology were also comparable in all groups. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that Cryptolepis sanguinolenta possesses anti-androgenic and anti-spermatogenic properties with potential anti-aphrodisiac activity.

Prevalence and pattern of utilization of voluntary counseling and testing services and HIV infection in Ogbomoso, southwestern Nigeria.

Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus, HIV, infection has been a major problem across the globe with a high socioeconomic burden. Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is a measure put in place to encourage people to know their HIV status with essential counseling support to help them cope with a positive or a negative test result. This study was carried out to determine the utilization of VCT services, prevalence of HIV among VCT attendees, and the distribution of the viral infection based on gender and age in Ogbomoso, an urban community, southwestern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The health records of patients in Adebayo Alata Primary Health Centre, Ogbomoso South, Nigeria, between 2008 and 2011, were used. Results: A total of 1,490 patients used the VCT services during the period of study, out of which 271 (18.19%) were males and 1,219 (81.81%) were females. A consistent number of people used the VCT service throughout the period of study. HIV infection was higher in females (2.15%) than males (0.54%). The viral infection was more prevalent in people above 14 years of age (2.62%). However, none of these differences observed in gender and age were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that HIV infection has neither gender nor age bias. Efforts should be made to increase the provision of VCT services and ensure its continued utilization in an attempt to maintain a healthy social and reproductive health culture, improve maternal and child health in the context of HIV transmission, and improve global child survival.

Exposure to petroleum hydrocarbon: implications in lung lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense system in rat.

Objective: Various studies have implicated automobile exhausts as risk factors in cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases; however, there is little or no documentation on the role of the main source of the exhausts, petroleum hydrocarbons, on cardiopulmonary pathologies. Thus, we investigated the effect of petroleum hydrocarbons, using various petroleum products, on histomorphology of the lung and the role of lipid peroxidation in it. Materials and Methods: Control rats were not exposed to any of the petroleum products, whereas petrol-exposed, diesel-exposed, and kerosene-exposed rats were exposed to petrol, diesel, and kerosene by inhalation, respectively. Results: Exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons significantly induced lipid peroxidation with a consequent rise in malondialdehyde (MDA), and a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and glutathione (GSH) level. Exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons also caused an alteration in the histomorphology of lung tissues. Conclusion: Our findings imply that exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons by inhalation is a risk factor in the pathophysiology of pulmonary dysfunction. This is associated with oxidative stress.

Hematoxicity of amodiaquine in sprague-dawley rats.

Objective: The use of amodiaquine (AQ) and its associated toxic effect has been a major public health concern since cases of life-threatening agranulocytosis and hepatic toxicity were reported during its prophylactic use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological safety profile of AQ therapy. Materials and Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into four groups (n=5). Group 1 was the control, while groups 2, 3, and 4 received AQ treatment for 14 days at varying doses of 5 mg/kgBW, 10 mg/kgBW, and 15 mg/kgBW daily, respectively. Results: Following treatment, hematological variables were comparable in all groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: This study provides evidence to support the use of AQ in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. However, to prevent emergence of local drug resistance, it should be used as part of a combination therapy. Monitoring for adverse effects is suggested.

Discordant Results in Plant Toxicity Studies in Africa: Attempt of Standardization

Plants and their products have been in use from ancient times, and their use has increased with time, despite the growth of modern medicine. Since all drugs have been shown to have side effects, studies on the toxicological evaluation of medicinal plants have increased. Surprisingly, it has been found that there are high variations in the values of both physical and biochemical parameters of experimental animals in toxicological studies, including control animals. Some reports document an increase in a variable as a sign of toxicity, while others document a decrease in the same variable as a sign of toxicity. This chapter points out these variables, the causes of the variations in different studies, and suggests standard values, by means of documented studies, which can be considered normal for each parameter.