Nephroprotective Effects of Vernonia amygdalina in Alloxan-induced Diabetes in Rats

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of end-stage renal failure worldwide. Purpose: The methanol leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina (MLVA) was thus investigated for its nephroprotective effects in diabetes.Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by a single intraperitoneal (I.P) injection of a freshly prepared solution of Alloxan monohydrate (100 mg/kg). Forty-eight hours after alloxan administration, rats with fasting blood glucose levels of 200 mg/dl and above were used for the study. Animals were grouped into five (A-E) of nine animals each. Group A was non-diabetic non treated control; Group B animals were the diabetic untreated control rats while groups C, D and E animals were diabetic and treated with glibenclamide, MLVA 200 mg/kg and MVLA 400 mg/kg respectively. Biochemical changes were evaluated by measuring the serum markers of kidney damage (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen). Markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant activities were measured in renal tissues. Histopathological and immunohistochemical changes were also evaluated.Results: Four-week administration of MLVA produced significant (p<0.05) decrease in serum creatinine, urea, and oxidative markers but it caused a significant increase in enzymic and nonenzymic antioxidant as well as downregulation of Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-?B) and upregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2).Conclusion: MLVA ameliorates diabetic nephropathy through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects

biochemical effects of lime concentrate 'Aporo' and Mucuna pruriens seeds extract on Alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Objectives: This study evaluated the biochemical properties of a local lime concentrate preparation called Aporo and an ethanolic extract of seeds of Mucuna pruriens

Methods: Six groups of male Wistar rats, each containing five rats, were selected. Diabetes was induced in all rats, except the negative control group, by a single intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg Alloxan. The induced rats, apart from the diabetic control group, were treated by daily oral administration of 5 mg/kg Glibenclamide, 100 mg/kg of Aporo decoction, an ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seed, and a combination of both in equal doses

Results: After 15 days of treatment, the blood glucose level of rats in the positive control group was found to be significantly lower than that of the other rats. However, Aporo extract exhibited a significantly higher ability to reduce blood glucose than the standard hypoglycaemic drug Glibenclamide. Aporo also increased high-density lipoprotein [HDL] levels and decreased triglyceride levels. The results showed that Aporo exhibited significant antioxidant, antidiabetic and antidyslipidaemic properties when used alone rather than in combination with Mucuna seed extracts

Conclusion: This study endorses the folk use of Aporo in the treatment of diabetes. However, further experimental studies are required to complement the results of the current study

Outcome of a posterior spinal fusion technique using spinous process wire and vertical strut

Background/Objective: Spinal fusion is a rapidly developing area of spine surgery. Many of the implants often used are not within the reach of the patients in the developing world. In this study; we describe the outcome of a novel technique of posterior spinal fusion using the rush nail and spinous process wire. Materials and Methods: We prospectively evaluated patients who underwent the technique since October 2006. We reviewed the patients' biodata; clinical diagnosis; imaging studies; indications for surgery; type of operations; and complications related to the implants and the technique. Clinical test of instability was also determined. Results: The technique was used in 11 female and 19 male patients. The age range was 11-82 years. The indication for surgery was trauma in 15 patients; degenerative disease in seven patients; tuberculosis of the spine in four patients; and four patients had neoplasms. Occipitocervical fusion was performed in three patients; cervical fusion in six patients; thoracic fusion in 10 patients; thoracolumbar fusion in seven patients; lumbar fusion in three patients; and lumbosacral fusion in one patient. The distal segment of the implant backed out in one patient following fracture of the spinal process. The implant was eventually removed. Clinical evidence of instability necessitating external orthotics was also seen in one patient. Two patients had wound infection. These were managed without removing the implants. We did not observe significant complications in other patients. Conclusion: The technique appears safe and effective in carefully selected cases. The technique needs further evaluation in a larger patient population and with a longer duration of follow-up

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Soft Drink Leaf Extract of Phyllanthus amarus in Some Laboratory Animals.

Aim: Phyllanthus amarus Schum (Euphorbiaceae) is an annual herbal shrub which has been used in traditional medicine in Nigeria to treat some disease conditions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus in experimental animal models hence confirming its folkloric use. Study Design: Forty healthy white Wister strain albino rats (100–200g) and forty mice (15–30g) of either sex bred in the experimental animal house of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria were used for the study. Forty rats were used for anti-inflammatory study while forty mice used for the analgesic study. In anti-inflammatory study, carrageenan and histamine-induced paw oedema were used while acetic acidinduced writhing test and formalin-induced paw lick test were deployed for analgesic test. Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; 2 months. Methodology: Soft drink extract (SDE) was prepared by dissolving ground plant materials (200g) in 1 L seven up (7 UP®) for 48 h, filtered, lyophilized and then used for the pharmacological investigations. Standard phytochemical methods were used to test for the presence of phytoactive compounds in the plant. Acute toxicity was carried out in mice to determine safe doses for use. The anti-inflammatory activities were conducted using carrageenan and histamine to induce oedema in rats while analgesic activities were embarked upon using acetic acid- induced writhing test and formalin-induced paw lick test. Results: The extract in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg at 3 hr showed 15.1 and 16.4% inhibition of histamine induced-paw oedema respectively while ibuprofen caused 9.6% inhibition at the same period. In the case of carrageenan induced paw oedema, the extract in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg at 4 hr showed 10.5 and 12.0% inhibition respectively while ibuprofen only caused 3% inhibition. In the acetic acid- induced writhing test, the extract showed a good analgesic activity characterized by a significant reduction in the number of writhes with 100 and 200 mg/kg doses used when compared to the control group. The result was also similar to the formalin-induced paw lick test. Conclusion: The soft drink leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. The activities of this extract were comparable to that of ibuprofen, the reference drug used in this study.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the aqueous extracts of Margaritaria discoidea (Euphorbiaceae) stem bark in experimental animal models

Margaritaria discoidea is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of various body pains in Central, Eastern and Southern Africa. The aqueous extract of its stem bark was investigated for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in animal models. The extract at 50, 100 and 200mg/kg body weight reduced significantly the formation of oedema induced by carrageenan and histamine. In the acetic acid-induced writhing model, the extract had a good analgesic effect characterized by a reduction in the number of writhes when compared to the control. Similarly, the extract caused dose-dependent decrease of licking time and licking frequency in rats injected with 2.5% formalin. These results were also comparable to those of indomethacin, the reference drug used in this study. Acute toxicity test showed that the plant may be safe for pharmacological uses. This study has provided some justification for the folkloric use of the plant in several communities for conditions such as stomachache, pain and inflammations. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (4): 1193-1200. Epub 2009 December 01.

Margaritaria discoidea es una planta medicinal usada para el tratamiento de varios dolores corporales en la parte sur, central y oriental de África. Se investigaron las propiedades analgésicas y antiinflamatorias de la extracción acuosa de la corteza de su tallo en modelos animales. Los extractos de 50, 100 y 200mg/kg de peso corporal redujeron significativamente la formación del edema inducido por la carragenina y la histamina. En el modelo de contracción abdominal inducida por ácido acético, el extracto mostró un buen efecto analgésico caracterizado por la reducción en el número de contracciones en comparación con el grupo control. El extracto causó una disminución dependiente de la dosis del tiempo y la frecuencia de lamido en las ratas inyectadas con formalina al 2.5%, lo cual evidencia su efecto analgésico. Estos resultados fueron comparables con los de la indometacina, la droga de referencia usada en este estudio. La prueba de toxicidad aguda mostró que la planta podría ser segura para usos farmacológicos. Este estudio proporciona justificación para el uso folclórico de esta plata en varias comunidades, con el objetivo de tratar padecimientos tales como dolor de estómago, dolor e inflamaciones.

Chloroquine prophylaxis associated with high prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum pfcrt K76T mutation in people with sickle-cell disease in Benin City, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: High mortality and morbidity in sickle-cell disease has been associated with malaria infection especially in countries where chloroquine is used. Chloroquine resistance has been associated with the emergence of Pfcrt mutant genes. This study aimed at comparing the prevalence rate of Pfcrt T76 mutation in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from infected individuals with sickle-cell disease and sickle-cell trait. This study was carried out in Benin City between the months of April and June 2006. This period is marked with high transmission rate of malaria. METHODS: The genotype of the subjects was screened using haemoglobin electrophoresis system and the P. falciparum. Pfcrt genotyping was carried out using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). RESULTS: Four hundred and twenty-four subjects comprising of 207 haemoglobin AA, 136 haemoglobin AS and 81 haemoglobin SS typed individuals were enrolled for this study. No significant difference existed in the prevalence rate of malaria in the three groups (p > 0.05). However, the prevalence rate of Pfcrt K76T mutant gene was higher in the haemoglobin SS genotyped individuals than the haemoglobin AA and AS subjects (p < 0.05). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: An uncontrolled use of chloroquine has been incriminated as the major cause of chloroquine resistance in Nigeria. Therefore, rapid intervention measures are needed as a matter of urgency to curb the up rise in the prevalence of the chloroquine resistant genes in our environment.

Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging and meningioma surgery

Objective: To determine if intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging improves surgical resection and postoperative outcome of intracranial meningioma. Study design: Prospective; on-randomized; cohort study Method: Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (iMRI) was used to evaluate patients with meningioma undergoing surgery. Images were obtained after induction of anaesthesia and at various stages of tumour resection. Extent of surgical resection was graded using Simpson grading system for meningioma. The images were reviewed together with histopathology and early outcome. Primary outcome measure was determined by finding unexpected tumur in interdissection images. Secondary outcome measures were determined by postoperative complications including infections and mortalities. Results: There were 39 procedures in 38 patients from January 1998 to December 2002. Surgical-planning images helped to optimize craniotomy placement. Interdissection images revealed unexpected residual tumour in only 1 patient. Complete resection (Simpson grades 1-3) was achieved in 33 procedures. The average follow up period was 16.4 months. Tumour recurrence has been observed in three patients. Two of these patients had anaplastic meningioma. There was no mortality in the 30-day postoperative period. Conclusion: Intraoperative MRI was beneficial in siting the craniotomy in addition to providing anatomical relationships between the tumour and adjacent structures in lesions located at the skull base though the full benefit of these is yet to be determined. The low morbidity and zero mortality recorded in the study may be related to all these factors