Rufus O. Akomolafe

The Garcinia kola biflavonoid kolaviron attenuates experimental hepatotoxicity induced by diclofenac

This study sought to investigate the effects of kolaviron on diclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 10 rats each as follows: a control group that received oral propylene glycol and treatment groups that received diclofenac alone, diclofenac followed by Livolin Forte (a reference drug), or diclofenac followed by kolaviron at three different doses. At the end of the study period, five rats per group were sacrificed under ketamine hydrochloride anesthetic, 24h after treatment, while the other 5 rats in the group were allowed to recover for 2 weeks before being sacrificed. Liver enzyme activities, total bilirubin levels, and the concentrations of several pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined using plasma samples, while liver tissue samples were used for antioxidant analysis and histopathological examination. Compared with the control group, plasma liver enzyme activities, along with bilirubin levels, were higher in the groups that received diclofenac alone or diclofenac+the highest dose of kolaviron, respectively. These groups had higher plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines than did the control group. However, the administration of Livolin Forte and kolaviron (at the lower doses) ameliorated diclofenac-induced hepatic injury by improving antioxidant status, preventing an increase in inflammatory mediators, decreasing malondialdehyde, and attenuating the adverse effect of diclofenac on hepatic tissues. In addition, there was a significant difference in the histological scores between the groups that received either diclofenac alone or diclofenac followed by the highest dose of kolaviron when compared with the other three groups (Livolin Forte or lower doses of kolaviron). In conclusion, kolaviron appears to be as effective as Livolin in attenuating DCLF-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. However, high doses of kolaviron seem to cause damage to the liver.

Sexually dimorphic proteinuria in Wistar rats: Relevance to clinical models

The study investigated the relationship between physiological proteinuria and the histomorphometry of the renal corpuscles in apparently healthy Wistar rats of both sexes, belonging to the same age group. This was with a view to appraise any possible connection between potential expression of sexual dimorphism and the histomorphometry of some integral parts of the glomerular filtration barrier. Twenty Wistar rats of both sexes between ages 9 and 10 weeks were used for this study. This comprised 10 male and 10 female rats weighing 110-200g which were housed in separate metabolic cages for the collection of urine samples.They were sacrificed 24h and 7 days after 2 weeks of acclimatization, respectively. The rats were fasted for 24h during the collection of urine samples. The results showed 74.75% significantly higher urine total protein (p<0.0001), 187.29% significantly higher mg protein/100g body weight (p<0.0001), 32.34% significantly higher Bowmans capsular thickness (p<0.0001), 30.64% significantly higher glomerular thickness (p=0.0002), 59.47% significantly higher Bowmans capsular space (p=0.003), 5.30% insignificantly lower creatinine clearance (p=0.24) and 28.05% significantly higher level of urine protein to creatinine ratio (p<0.0001) in the male when compared with their female counterpart. In conclusion, Wistar rats express sexually dimorphic proteinuria which is structural in origin.

Assessment of Haematological and Biochemical Effects of Kolaviron in Male Wistar Rats

This study determined the effects of kolaviron on the hematological and biochemical parameters of rats. The aim was to ascertain if its consumption has deleterious effects on these parameters. Forty adult male Wistar rats divided into four groups of ten animals each were used. The control group received 2 ml/kg propylene glycol only. Kolaviron (KV) was administered at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively to the experimental groups via oral route for 28 days. At the end of the study period, five rats were sacrificed under ketamine hydrochloride and the other 5 rats Original Research Article Alabi et al.; BJPR, 16(3): 1-14, 2017; Article no.BJPR.33517 2 were allowed to recover for 2 weeks. Hematological analysis was carried out, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin and glucose were assayed from the plasma while the liver tissue was used for histopathological examination. Compared with the control group, white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte, red blood cells (RBCs) counts, hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were significantly higher in groups treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w of KV. However, plasma AST, ALT, ALP activities and bilirubin in 100 and 200 mg/kg KV were not significant different from that of the control. There was a significantly lower plasma glucose level in all KV treated groups when compared with the control. However, KV at 400 mg/kg had a significantly higher RBCs count with a significantly lower Hb, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and platelet count. The plasma AST, ALT activities and bilirubin level were also higher in 400 mg/kg b.w KV when compared with the control, but plasma ALP remain unchanged. At 400 mg/kg b.w KV, histological examination of the liver tissue showed sign of portal cellular infiltration, periportal congestion and hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes in the liver, but restored toward normal after 2 weeks recovery period. This study confirmed that KV at 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w improve hematological indices with hypoglycemic and immune boosting effects in rats. However, KV at higher dosage (400 mg/kg b.w) has tendency to have deleterious effects on the liver and blood.

Amelioration of Cadmium-Induced Nephropathy using Polyphenol-rich Extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Del.) Leaves in Rat Model

AIM: To determine the effects of polyphenol-rich extract of the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (PEVA) in rats with Cd-induced nephropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups as follows; Group 1 received distilled water throughout the period of study. Group 2 received 5 mg/kg body weight of cadmium (Cd), in the form of CdSO4, for five consecutive days via intraperitoneal route. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were pretreated with Cd as group 2 and thereafter received oral treatment of PEVA for 4 weeks at 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively. RESULTS: Exposure to Cd toxicity significantly induced deleterious alterations in plasma and urine levels of creatinine, urea and glucose as well as creatinine and urea clearance (p < 0.05) in the rat model. There was a significant disturbance in the antioxidant system as revealed by the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.05) in the kidney tissue of the rats. With marked improvements in renal histoarchitecture, PEVA treatment showed a duration and non dose-dependent ameliorative potential. CONCLUSION: PEVA treatment reversed the compromise of renal function that was induced by Cd toxicity in rat model.

An in vitro study of the effects of Cassia podocarpa fruit on the intestinal motility of rats

Folkloric evidence and scientific reports indicate the use of C. podocarpa fruit as a purgative recipe. This study attempts to find the in vitro effects of its aqueous infusion (ACPF) and methanolic extract (MCPF) on the motility of the intestine of albino rats of Wistar strain and to compare their effect with those of C. acutifolia fruit (ACAF and MCAF). MCPF relaxed both the ileum and colon dose dependently. Its effect was blocked by tolazoline (10(-9) M) and propranolol (10(-9) M). ACPF had no effect on the ileum, but contracted the colon dose-dependently. Its effect was blocked by nifedipine (2.8 x 10(-10) M) and drastically reduced by atropine (3.4 x 10(-6) M). MCAF has the same effect as ACPF on both ileum and colon and its effect was similarly affected by atropine (3.4 x 10(-6) M) and nifedipine (2.8 x 10(-8) M). ACAF relaxed the ileum, its effect was blocked by tolazoline (5.1 x 10(-7) M). MCAF was more potent than ACPF in contracting the colon, Hexamethonium (2.8 x 10(-8) M), chlorpheniramine (3.8 x 10(-8) M) and promethazine (3.2 x 10(-10) M) potentiated the effect of ACPF on the colon. The results suggest that both ACAF and MCPF have anti-diarrhoeal effect. MCPF acts via both alpha and beta adrenergic receptor stimulation, while ACAF stimulates alpha-receptor. ACPF and MCAF engage both the cholinergic system and calcium channel activation in causing purgation in the colon. The potentiation of the effect of ACPF by some blockers could be due to allosteric enhancement of the receptors involved in its action.

Livolin Forte Ameliorates Cadmium-Induced Kidney Injury in Wistar Rats

Abstract The kidney, which is an integral part of the drug excretion system, was reported as one of the targets of cadmium toxicity. Early events of cadmium toxicity in the cell include a decrease in cell membrane fluidity, breakdown of its integrity, and impairment of its repair mechanisms. Phosphatidylcholine and vitamin E have a marked fluidizing effect on cellular membranes. We hypothesized that Livolin forte (LIV) could attenuate kidney damage induced by cadmium in rats. Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats each: group I (control group) received 0.3 ml/kg/day of propylene glycol for six weeks; group II was given 5 mg/kg/day of cadmium (Cd) i.p for 5 consecutive days; group III rats were treated in a similar way as group II but were allowed a recovery period of 4 weeks; group IV was treated with LIV (5.2 mg/kg/day) for a period of 4 weeks after inducing renal injury with Cd similarly to group II; and group V was allowed a recovery period of 2 weeks after a 4-week LIV treatment (5.2 mg/kg/day) following Cd administration. A significant increase in plasma creatinine, urea, uric acid, and TBARS were observed in groups II and III compared to the control rats. Significant reductions in total protein, glucose, and GSH activity were also recorded. The urine concentrations of creatinine, urea, and uric acid in groups II and III were significantly lower than the control group. Th is finding was accompanied by a significant decrease in creatinine and urea clearance. Post-treatment with LIV caused significant decreases in plasma creatinine, urea, uric acid, and TBARS. Significant increases in total protein, glucose, and GSH activity of groups IV and V were observed compared to group II. A significant increase in urine concentrations of creatinine, urea, and uric acid and significant decreases in total protein, glucose, and GSH activity were observed in groups IV and V compared to group II. Photomicrographs of the rat kidneys in groups IV and V showed an improvement in the histology of their renal tissue when compared to group II, with features similar to the control rats. Additionally, group III showed an improvement in the histoarchitecture of the kidney compared with group II, although occasional atrophy of some glomeruli and shrinking of renal corpuscles was observed. In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that LIV administration ameliorated Cd-induced kidney injury in rats. Thus, LIV represents a prospective therapeutic choice to prevent kidney injury inflicted by Cd exposure.

Polyphenol-rich extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Del.) leaves ameliorated cadmium-induced alterations in feeding pattern and urine volume of male Wistar rats.

Aim: To determine the effects of a polyphenol-rich extract of the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (PEVA) on the feeding pattern of rats that are exposed to cadmium (Cd) toxicity. Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats, weighing 160-180 g, were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each as follows; Group 1 received distilled water orally (0.2 ml a 100 g rats), daily, throughout the period of study. Group 2 received Cd alone (in the form of CdSO4) at 5 mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal route for 5 consecutive days. Group 3 were pre-treated with Cd as Group 2 and thereafter left untreated for a period of 4-week. After the oral lethal dose of PEVA was determined, Groups 4, 5, and 6 received graded doses of PEVA at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day (0.2 ml per 100 g rats), respectively via oral route for 4 weeks after they were pre-treated with Cd as Group 2. Blood samples were collected for some plasma biochemical assays while urine samples were collected using metabolic cages. Results: PEVA administration significantly increased (P < 0.05) the body weight and feeding patterns that were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) by Cd toxicity. PEVA also significantly reinstated the plasma antioxidant status, as well as glucose and urine volume of the rats toward control values (P < 0.05). Conclusion: PEVA can be an herbal alternative in the treatment or management of subjects manifesting alterations in feeding pattern and urine volume that is Cd-induced.

Gastro-protective effect of methanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina (del.) leaf on aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats

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Effects of two weeks administration of Ocimum gratissimum leaf on feeding pattern and markers of renal function in rats treated with gentamicin

Abstract This study investigated the effects of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaf (AOGL) on some markers of renal function in rats with gentamicin-induced nephropathy. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were used for this study. They were divided into 5 groups as follows: Group 1 (the control) (n = 5) received distilled water daily by oral route for the whole period of the study. Group 2 (the toxic control) (n = 10) received 100 mg/kg/day of gentamicin i.p. for a week. Groups 3, 4, and 5 (n = 5) were pre-treated with gentamicin as the Group 2 rats, after which they received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day each of AOGL p.o., respectively, for 14 days. Rats in each groups were placed inside separate metabolic cages to obtain their food consumption, water intake and urine output for 24 hours after the last administration. Markers of renal function such as creatinine, urea and total protein were determined both in the plasma and urine. Oxidative stress markers such as TBARS and GSH were assayed in the tissue homogenate. Creatinine clearance was calculated using a standard formula. Gentamicin treatment induced significant (p < 0.05) increases in urine output, plasma urea, creatinine, urinary protein, relative kidney weight and TBARS in the toxic control when compared to the control group. Significant decreases (p < 0.05) in urine creatinine and GSH were also associated with gentamicin administration. Post-treatment with AOGL caused significant increases in food consumption, body weight, water intake, urine creatinine, and GSH, and significant (p < 0.05) decreases in urine output, plasma creatinine, urea, TBARS and urine total protein in the treated groups when compared with the toxic control group. This wasfurther evident by a significant improvement or reversal of the histopathological alterations of kidney tissues in the groups treated with AOGL. The results of this study indicated that AOGL ameliorated the kidney injury caused by gentamicin in rats. Hence, the extracts have the potential of being used for the management of gentamicin-induced nephropathies.

Polyphenol-rich extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves ameliorates colitis via attenuating colonic mucosa injury and regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines production and oxidative stress

Colitis is a chronic inflammation and ulcer on the inner lining of the large intestine. For many centuries Ocimum gratissimum (OG) leaves have been used in folk medicine in Nigeria to treat inflammatory bowel diseases, however, to date, the anti-colitis effects of OG have not been scientifically proven. In this study we investigated the effects of polyphenol rich extract of Ocimum gratissimum (PREOG) leaf on colonic mucosa injury in colitis, its mechanisms, initial administration time and dosage. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced rat colitis models was used. PREOG administration was initiated at 3 and 7 d after the model was established at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg for 7 d. 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) was used as a reference drug. The disease activity index (DAI), vascular permeability, markers of oxidative stress, granulocyte infiltration, inflammation and histopathological alteration were evaluated. Obvious colonic inflammation and mucosa injuries were observed in DSS-induced colitis groups. PREOG administration promoted repair of colonic mucosa injuries, attenuated inflammation, and decreased DAI scores in rats with colitis. PREOG also decreased the plasma concentrations of Interleukin-(IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and concentrations of myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase-2 and malondialdehyde in the colon, and increased the plasma concentrations of IL-4 and IL-10 as well as the concentration of superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione in the colon. The efficacy of PREOG was dosage dependent. In conclusion, OG repairs colonic mucosa injury in experimental colitis through its ant-inflammatory and ant-oxidant. Its efficacy related to initial administration time and dose.