Hepatoprotective effect of polyphenols isolated from virgin coconut oil against sub-chronic cadmium hepatotoxicity in rats is associated with improvement in antioxidant defense system.

Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous non-essential environmental and industrial toxicant that affects various organs in humans and experimental animals. Robust evidence confirms the contribution of oxidative stress to the pathogenesis of Cd-induced hepatic damage. Potent polyphenols found in virgin coconut oil (VCO) are free radical scavengers that may be beneficial against Cd hepatotoxicity. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the possible protective effect of polyphenols isolated from VCO on Cd-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Rats were pretreated with polyphenols isolated from VCO (10, 20, and 50 mg/kg, orally) 2 weeks prior to concurrent Cd administration (5 mg/kg, orally) for 5 weeks. Subsequently, liver damage, hepatic oxidative stress, and histopathological alterations were evaluated. In vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH and FRAP) were carried out on VCO polyphenols. Cadmium induced liver damage demonstrated by significant alterations in serum markers of liver damage, as well as pronounced decrease in albumin and total protein compared to control. Further, Cd remarkably depressed hepatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH) content. Hepatic lipid peroxidation was markedly increased as highlighted by malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Sub-chronic administration of VCO polyphenols to Cd-treated rats produced a significant hepatoprotective effect and restored hepatic oxidative stress markers comparable to control. The prominent improvement in histopathology of rat liver confirmed the biochemical findings. The findings suggest potential beneficial effect of VCO polyphenols on Cd-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats; the mechanism underlying this action is associated with improvement in antioxidant defense system.

Potential link between Complement 5a Receptor and mood disorders in mouse exposed to experimental malaria in utero.

In Africa, a large number of pregnancies are exposed to Plasmodium falciparum infection. The in-utero environment extremely influences childhood neurodevelopment and behaviour. The complement 5a receptor (C5aR) is linked to several disease conditions. However, the influence of Plasmodium berghei during pregnancy on maternal complement 5a receptor and subsequently on fetal behaviour is unknown. Pregnant mice were intra-peritoneally inoculated on gestational day 13 with 1.02x105 infected red blood cells (iRBCs). iRBCs used in this experiment were gotten by in vivo passage of P. berghei in mice when the level of iRBCs have gotten to about 10-20%. A section of pregnant mice (both test and control groups) were earmarked to give birth and their offspring monitored up to postnatal day 42 when depression-like behaviour was evaluated using tail suspension test model. The other pregnant mice were subjected to cardiac puncture on gestational day 19 for C5a receptor estimation using Elisa assay. Results showed that pregnant mice infected with P. berghei had elevated C5a receptor compared with uninfected pregnant females. It was also shown that P. berghei-exposed offspring presented a depressive-like behaviour compared to unexposed controls. It may be concluded from this study, that complement 5a receptor demonstrates a pathogenic role in signaling and its possible role in mediating depression linked to Plasmodium berghei exposure in utero.

Predisposing factors associated with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes among adults in a diabetic clinic, Enugu State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The role of micronutrients and other predisposing factors associated with the aetiology of type 2 diabetes in Nigeria is not well established. The objectives of this study were to investigate predisposing factors associated with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes among a Nigerian adult population. METHODS: Predisposing factors associated with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes were investigated in 60 Igbo (a major tribe in Eastern Nigeria) adults aged 30-90 years. This study was carried out at the Diabetic Clinic, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu. Packed cell volume (PCV), serum ferrtin and some anthropometric parameters were measured alongside fasting blood sugar (FBS). RESULTS: PCV recorded a statistically significant lower (p<0.001) mean value at 32.94±0.61% in the patients when compared with the control group with a mean value of 39.06±1.02%. Serum ferritin revealed a statistically significant higher (p<0.01; 110.20±15.17 ng/ml) mean value in the patients when compared with the control group (20.4±5.64 ng/ml). However, PCV (32.00±0.88%) and body mass index (BMI) (31.99±1.12 Kg/m(2)) recorded a statistically significant lower (p<0.05) mean value in female patients when compared with their corresponding males. There was no significant correlation (p>0.05) between serum iron ferritin, FBS and all other anthropometric predictors of incidence of type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION: Type 2 diabetes is not associated with elevated levels of serum iron ferritin. Hence, serum ferritin may not be a better predictor of type 2 diabetes, especially in uncomplicated cases.

Mechanism of delayed puberty in rats whose mothers consumed Hibiscus sabdariffa during lactation.

CONTEXT: Extract of the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (HS) (Malvaceae) has been reported to decrease fluid and food intake in lactating rats through a mechanism not yet fully understood. It has also been reported that rat pups undernourished during lactation have delayed puberty onset, suggesting a link between nutrition and onset of puberty. There is paucity of data addressing the effect of maternal consumption of HS during lactation on the onset of puberty in the female offspring. OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to investigate whether consumption of HS during lactation will affect the onset of puberty and to examine the possible mechanism underlying this. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lactating Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly grouped into three on postnatal day one. One group had tap water (control); another had 0.6 g aqueous HS extract/100 mL, while the third had 1.8 g aqueous HS extract/100 mL as their drinking solution throughout lactation. Maternal fluid consumption, food consumption, weight gain, plasma Na(+) and corticosterone concentrations were determined. Offspring weights were recorded at 0, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days. Ages at onset of puberty and body weights were also recorded. RESULTS: A decreased maternal fluid and food intake and an increased maternal plasma Na(+) and corticosterone concentration were observed in HS dams. The HS treated female offspring showed delayed onset of puberty. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The accelerated growth and delayed puberty in the HS offspring may be through increased corticosterone and decreased leptin delivery through breast milk.