Taofik Olatunde Sunmonu

Potassium bromate content of selected bread samples in Ilorin, Central Nigeria and its effect on some enzymes of rat liver and kidney

Bread samples from five different locations (Gaa-Akanbi, Saw-Mill, Oloje, Fate-Basin and Zango) in Ilorin metropolis, Central Nigeria were analyzed for their potassium bromate content before they were employed as a source of carbohydrate in the formulation of diet for albino rats. A total of sixty (60) albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were grouped into six (6) of ten (10) rats each. The rats in the first group served as control and they were placed on diet formulated with bromate-free bread. Animals in Groups 2-6 were placed on diet formulated with bread samples obtained from the five different locations in Ilorin metropolis. At the expiration of thirty (30) days feeding period, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples, liver and kidney tissues were collected for the assay of ALP, AST and ALT activities. The results showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the activities of these enzymes in the tissues when compared with the control. However, a significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in the activities of the selected serum enzymes. Overall, the data indicate adverse effects on the liver and kidney of rats fed on diet containing potassium bromate.

Performance and haematological indices in rats exposed to monocrotophos contamination

Monocrotophos is an organophosphate pesticide used in agriculture to control insect pests. Changes in performance and haematological parameters (such as packed cell volume, white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes) were used to assess the effect of the pesticide on rats chronically exposed to 12.5 parts per million (ppm), 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm and 200 ppm for 10 days, while the control rats were placed on borehole water. Administration of the pesticide to the animals resulted in several physical deteriorations including appearance and agility. A significant reduction (p < .05) was observed in the weight gained by rats while the liver-to-body weight ratio increased significantly (p < .05) as the level of exposure to monocrotophos increased. Whereas packed cell volume, white blood cells and lymphocytes increased significantly (p < .05), neutrophils and eosinophils counts reduced significantly (p < .05) as the concentration of monocrotophos in the drinking water increased. Overall, the data indicated that exposure to monocrotophos portends serious consequences on the performance and haematological parameters of rats.

Effect of white African mineral hair dye on the activities of phosphatases and malondialdehyde level in selected tissues of albino rats

The effect of white African mineral dye Yombofita (YF) on the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the skin, liver, kidney and serum of albino rats was investigated. The chemical analysis of the dye was first carried out using solubility test, pH determination and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis. Six different concentrations (0.05, 0.15, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.00%) of the dye were prepared using hydrogen peroxide (30 volume) as solvent. A total of 80 albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were used for the study. The rats were divided into 8 groups of 10 each and were maintained on commercial feed for the period of the experiment i.e. 30 days. In group 1, the control group, the animals were applied distilled water on their heads, whereas in group 2 the vehicle i.e. hydrogen peroxide was applied. In groups 3 to 8 various concentrations of YF (white) dye ranging from 0.05, 0.15, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 to 1.00% was applied respectively. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected and portions of the selected tissues were excised for the determination of ALP and ACP activities. The MDA level was also determined in the skin of experimental animals. The results revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) with increasing concentration of the dye in the activities of ALP and ACP in the kidney and skin but not in the liver while the level of MDA in the skin increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing concentration of the dye.

Evaluation of antioxidant potentials of Morinda morindoides leaf extract

This study investigated antioxidant status of animals given aqueous extract of Morinda morindoides leaves using the levels of reduced glutathione, total-thiol, vitamin C, and vitamin E as well as malondialdehyde concentrations as indices, and its in vitro antioxidant capacity. Thirty rats divided into five groups were used. Group A served as control and were administered distilled water while groups B, C, D, and E were given 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg per kilogram body weight of water-extracted constituents of M. morindoides for 28 days. Total phenolic compounds amounted to 83.6 ± 5.9 mg g−1 gallic acid equivalent, while total flavonoid content was 9.5 ± 0.9 mg g−1 pyrocathecol equivalent. Malondialdehyde in plasma was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner, ranging from 21% in groups B and C to 84% in groups D and E. Vitamins C and E were significantly increased, in group E by 91% and 17% compared with control. Total thiols and glutathione in plasma were significantly increased, with group E having 2.5-fold and 4.2-fold higher values than control.