High Doses of PDE5 inhibitors and tramadol reversibly alters haematological parameters in rats.

This study examined the effect of chronic administration of PDE5 inhibitors and tramadol on haematological indices because of their reported high incidence of abuse. Additionally, the possibility of reversal of negative effects following withdrawal of treatment was examined. Fifty male rats (180 - 200g body weight) were grouped into five (n = 10), namely: control, sildenafil, tadalafil, tramadol and sildenafil+tramadol group. The different groups were orally treated with 0.2mL normal saline, sildenafil (1 mg/100gb.w.), tadalafil (1 mg/100gb.w.), tramadol (2 mg/100g b.w.) and sildenafil + tramadol (1 &2 mg/100gb.w. respectively). Treatment was done thrice a week, for 8 weeks and the animals were allowed access to feed and water ad libitum. Five animals were sacrificed per group, while the remaining 5/group continued for another 8 weeks without drug administration (recovery test).Blood samples were collected from each animal via cardiac puncture at the end of both phases for assessment of haematological parameters. Red blood cells (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution wide standard deviation (RDW-SD), white blood cells (WBCs) count, platelets count, mean platelets volume (MPV) and platelets large cell ratio (P-LCR) were significantly reduced in all the treated groups compared with the control. Following withdrawal of treatment, RBC count, Hb concentration, PCV and red cell absolute values were significantly increased in all recovery groups compared with their respective treated groups. Haematological alterations were reversed following withdrawal of treatment. However, platelet indices were poorly reversed in sildenafil and tramadol recovery groups.

Hepatotoxicity following separate administration of two phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (sildenafil & tadalafil) and opioid (tramadol); evaluation of possible reversal following their withdrawal.

The use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) and tramadol in the absence of erectile and ejaculatory dysfunctions in Nigeria has become a norm. In this study, we comparatively assess the effects of chronic use of these drugs on hepatotoxicity. Fifty male albino wistar rats weighing 180–200g were randomly assigned into 5 groups (n=10) as follows; control, sildenafil (1mg/100g b.w), tadalafil (1mg/100g b.w), tramadol (2mg/100g b.w) and sildenafil+tramadol treated group (1mg/100g and 2mg/100g b.w, respectively). Drugs were orally administered, once, every two days for 8weeks, at the end of which five animals were sacrificed per group (batch 1), while the remaining five animals per group were allowed for another 8weeks without drug administration (batch 2). Serum concentration of liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) and bilirubin were assessed in both batches. Serum concentrations of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin were significantly (p<0.001) increased in all treated groups (batch 1), while conjugated bilirubin concentration was significantly (p<0.001) reduced in all treated groups, compared with control. Serum concentrations of AST and ALT were significantly reduced in sildenafil (p<0.01), tadalafil (p<0.05), tramadol (p<0.001) and sildenafil+tramadol (p<0.001) recovery groups, compared with their treated groups. Total and unconjugated bilirubin fractions were significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively) reduced in tadalafil recovery group, compared with the treated group. Sildenafil+tramadol recovery group showed significantly (p<0.001) reduced total and unconjugated bilirubin concentrations, compared with the treated group. Chronic administration of PDE5i and tramadol reversibly altered liver functions.

Effect of chronic Consumption of two Forms of palm oil diet on serum Electrolytes, Creatinine and urea in rabbits.

Palm oil is one of the most widely employed cooking oils in Nigeria today. This study compares the effects of long term consumption of the two forms of palm oil – fresh palm oil (FPO) and thermally oxidized palm oil (TPO) on serum electrolytes, creatinine and urea, which gives vital information on the state of the renal system. Eighteen male New Zealand rabbits weighing 750 – 1000 g were used for this study. They animals were randomly assigned one of three groups (n = 6) thus; control group, FPO fed group and TPO fed group. The control group received animal feed and clean water only. Fresh palm oil group received animal feed mixed with fresh palm oil in the ratio 85:15g respectively, TPO fed group received animal feed mixed with thermoxidised palm oil in the ratio 85:15g respectively. The feeding lasted for 6 months. Food intake, water intake and body weight were measured daily. At the end of the feeding period, the animals were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia and blood was collected for assessment of serum electrolytes, creatinine and urea. Results obtained showed that serum concentration of sodium was significantly (p<0.001) lower in FPO fed group, compared with control, but significantly (p<0.05) higher in TPO fed group, compared with control. Serum concentration of sodium was also significantly (p<0.001) higher in TPO fed group, compared with FPO fed group. Serum concentration of chloride was significantly lower in FPO fed group compared with control (p<0.05) and TPO fed group (p<0.001). Bicarbonate concentration was significantly (p<0.05) lower in FPO fed group, compared with control. Creatinine concentration was significantly higher (p<0.05) in TPO fed group, compared with control and FPO fed group. The observed changes in serum electrolyte and creatinine concentrations following 6 months of feeding was more in TPO fed group than FPO fed group, and is possibly detrimental to electrolyte balance.

Impact of Noise Pollution on Human Cardiovascular System.

Noise pollution is one of the man-made environmental hazards that is given the least attention. By World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition, noise pollution is unwanted or excessive sound that can have deleterious effects on human health and environmental quality. Industrial facilities, entertainment joints, highway, railway, airplane traffic, construction activities and some indoor activities are major sources of noise. Prolong or frequent exposure to excessively loud noise can cause degeneration of the spiral organ resulting in high frequency deafness. Despite the awareness of noise impact on auditory function, people are still engaged in activities that generate loud noise. In some developing countries where electrical power supply is not reliable, the use of generators has contributed immensely to environmental noise. Studies have reported that noise increases the prevalence of hypertension which is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disorders. The increasing number of hypertensive individuals in developing countries might be owed to incessant noise. If the governments of these countries do not take necessary measures to combat noise pollution, their countries might be populated with cardiovascular disease individuals

The Possible Mechanisms through Which Dietary Protein Increases Renal Blood Flow and Glomerular Filtration Rate.

Obesity has been associated with a multitude of co-morbid conditions, most importantly with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Diet is one of the major key factors of a successful weight management schemes to ensure a healthy weight. High protein, low carbohydrate and low fat diets are reported to be effective for weight management and gained particular popularity in the recent past. As a result, most individuals have shifted to high protein diet in an attempt to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight or body composition. On the other hand, high dietary protein is well known to increase renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate and may potentially increase the future risk of renal disease due to increased glomerular pressure and hyperfiltration injury. The mechanism by which protein diet acts on the kidney is not well known; however, multiple potential mechanisms have been postulated. This review discusses the possible mechanisms through which dietary protein intake may influence renal function parameters.