Histological Study on the Anterior Pituitary Gland of Monosodium Glutamate-Administered Adult Male Wistar Rats.

The routine use of Monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a food additive found in commercial food products has being generating controversy regarding its health effects. This study investigated the effects of MSG administration on the histology of anterior pituitary gland in rats. Twenty adult male rats were used and randomly divided into four groups (n=5, each). The rats in the treated groups received a daily MSG administration through orogastric method at a dose of 100 mg/ kg bw/day, 500 mg/ kg bw/day, 1500 mg/ kg bw/day respectively, while the control rats received 0.5 ml of distilled water. The body weight was measured. After sacrifice, the pituitary gland was harvested and fixed with 10% formalin for routine histological procedures. Results revealed decrease in body weight while the histology of the anterior pituitary gland of the rats showed no observable pathological alterations. This study indicates no induced histological damage following oral administration of MSG.

Relationship between body mass index and knee alignment using non-radiographic / umbilical method.

Aim: The aim of the research was to investigate the relationship between body mass index and knee alignment angle using non-radiographic methods, and to propose a regression equation to define the relationship.Method: A total of 300 students (200 males, 100 females) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi campus participated in the study. Knee alignment was measured using body landmarks (umbilicus, right knee and right second toe) with a goniometer and calliper; the body mass index was also determined.Result: The male subjects had a mean body mass index of 24.2 kg/m2 and knee alignment angle of 176.5o. The female participants had a mean body mass index of 22.7 kg/m2 and knee alignment angle of 180.9o. Body mass index had no significant relationship with knee alignment in both males and females respectively (r = 0.009, p > 0.05; r = 0.065, p > 0.05). Conclusion: The study showed no significant positive relationship between body mass index and knee alignment, and body mass index is therefore not a good determinant for the control of knee alignment-based knee osteoarthritis.