Phenolic, flavonoid, and ß-carotene contents of provitamin A cassava hydrolysate with free and encapsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG improves antioxidant biomarkers in kidney, heart and liver of Wistar rats.

In vitro antioxidant activity and possible in vivo antioxidative effects of provitamin A cassava hydrolysate inoculated with free or encapsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), a ready-to-drink probiotic beverage containing natural ß-carotene and other phytochemicals, were evaluated. Provitamin A cassava was orally administered to male Wistar rats (n = 40, 120-150 g) for 30 days. Regression analysis showed the phenolic and total flavonoid contents of provitamin A cassava hydrolysate contributed 68% and 95%, respectively, to the antioxidant activity (by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay) (83.3 ± 1.8-87 ± 1.8%). in vivo study showed that malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase activities were lowered or unchanged with a significant increase in antioxidant biomarkers (reduced glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase) in the kidney, heart, and liver of all rats administered provitamin A cassava hydrolysate with LGG, especially at doses 2 × 1010 CFU, compared to control. Provitamin A cassava hydrolysate with LGG showed significant antioxidant activity In vitro and in vivo, thus indicating its potential usefulness in the food industry as an antioxidant beverage. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study reports the antioxidant properties of provitamin A cassava hydrolysate, which can be consumed as a refreshing beverage while also delivering antioxidant benefits. In the food and beverage industry, provitamin A cassava hydrolysate could be applied as a nutraceutical beverage with therapeutic functions. This product innovation increases the value-addition of cassava and expands the nondairy food matrix options used as probiotic carriers.

Pathology and molecular diagnosis of canine parvoviral enteritis in Nigeria: case report.

This report describes the clinical presentation, pathology and molecular diagnosis of canine parvovirus infection in male Boerboel and female Alsatian puppies. The history of the dogs was considered, examined clinically for vital parameters, haemogram changes and faeces screened for parasites and canine parvovirus faecal antigen. Tissue samples were taken at necropsy for confirmatory diagnosis using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis. There was a severe regenerative anaemia, leucopenia and lymphopaenia. The positive antigen faecal test and pathological findings of haemorrhagic enteritis suggested canine parvoviral enteritis disease. Polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis confirmed canine parvovirus-2a as the aetiology of the disease. Informed management is important to avoid complications resulting from secondary to severe dehydration, hypovolemia from marked gastrointestinal fluid and protein loss and sepsis from bacterial translocation and leukopenia.

Effect of the methanol extract of the red cultivar Allium cepa L. on the serum biochemistry and electrolytes of rats following sub-chronic oral administration.

Background In traditional medicine, Allium cepa Linnaeus is used for the treatment of several disease conditions. Whilst reports abound on the effects of several cultivars of A. cepa L on biochemical parameters, similar information on the red cultivar is scarce. This study examines the effects of the methanol extract of the red cultivar A. cepa L on some serum biochemical parameters in experimental Wistar rats. Materials and methods Fifty-five Wistar rats were divided into three groups (A, B and C), which include 25, 25 and 5 rats, respectively. The rats in Groups A and B were sub-divided into 5 groups of 5 rats. Each rat was administered a certain dose of methanol extract of the red cultivar A. cepa L for 14 days (Group A) or 28 days (Group B). Group C rats served as the control and were administered with distilled water (10 mL/kg). Results A. cepa L administration resulted in dyslipidaemia, hyponatremia, hypokalaemia and hyperchloraemia; a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in hepatic enzymes and a significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum bicarbonate, bilirubin and its fractions. Conclusions These biochemical results indicate that the excessive and prolonged medicinal consumption of A. cepa L products beyond 7 days may induce moderate hepatic injury and mild renal dysfunction and may complicate disease conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes. Thus, in order to minimize its toxic effects, it is recommended that A. cepa L products should not be used for more than seven consecutive days or beyond a dosage of 90 mg/kg.

Chronic inhalation of 2, 2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP) induces organ pathology in the adult albino rats

The acute toxic effects of the acetyl cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticide, DDVP, following oral and dermal exposure are well recorded in literature. The ability of DDVP to easily vaporize makes the aero-nasal route a possible means of exposure, albeit chronically. This study aimed to describe the pathology, if any, of the heart, kidney and liver following chronic exposure to various concentrations of DDVP via inhalation.Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (A-F) of 10 rats each. Rats in Group A were exposed to distilled water only, while rats in groups B, C, D, E and F were exposed to 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% v/v concentrated fumes of DDVP respectively. Duration of inhalational exposure was for 90 days. The heart, liver and kidney of the rats in the groups were extracted for routine histopathology. Organ pathologies were semi-quantitatively scored and analyzed across and between the 6 groups.Generally, lesions were of progressive severity with increasing concentrations of DDVP. Across the organs, pathology was related to altered vascular and degenerative changes. Specifically, the heart, kidney and liver showed shredding of cardiomyocytes, sloughing of renal tubular epithelial cells with dilated tubular lumina, and hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis respectively. Inflammatory changes were limited to the livers of rats exposed to 80 and 100% v/v DDVP.It was concluded that DDVP induced altered vascular and degenerative changes following chronic exposure via inhalation. Safer alternatives to aerosolized DDVP-containing insecticides are recommended for the control of arthropod vectors in enclosures

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Anti-Hyperglycaemic Effect of Cleome Rutidosperma in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Albino Rats.

The hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycaemic effects of methanol extract of leaves of Cleome rutidosperma (Cr) DC (Family: Capparidaceae) was investigated in Wistar rats. Fifty normoglycaemic male rats (120 g-200 g) were divided into groups A (hypoglycaemic study; n=20) and B (antihyperglycaemic study; n=30). Each experiment had one control group and three groups administered with Cr (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg) respectively. Group B had two additional groups of diabetic-untreated rats and glibenclamide-treated diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in Group B rats (except control) fasted overnight for 12 h by intraperitoneal injection of Alloxan (100 mg/kg). Fasting blood glucose levels (FBGL) were determined and alloxan-treated rats with BGL >200 mg/dl 48 h post-induction were considered diabetic. Data obtained were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and Duncan Multiple Range Test (p<0.05). Cr-treated rats showed significant decline in BGL with noteworthy decline by day 3 post-treatment at the dose of 200 mg/kg (236.40±14.72 mg/dl) from 336.40±21.06 mg/dl. Cr at the dose of 200 mg/kg (72.20±6.18 mg/dl, 69.20±7.81 mg/dl, 137.80±7.15 mg/dl and 70.60±10.66 mg/dl) showed better glycemic control compared to glibenclamide (194.50±7.75 mg/dl, 253.75±7.20 mg/dl, 284.25±10.56 mg/dl and 156.00±10.80 mg/dl). Cr-treated rats also showed progressive weight gain through the course of the study. This study demonstrated Cr has antihyperglycemic effect with more rapid onset of action and better glycemic control compared to glibenclamide.

Evaluation of the sub-chronic toxicity profile of the corm of Xanthosoma sagittifolium on hematology and biochemistry of alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats.

Background Hematological and biochemical changes associated with diabetes mellitus and probable reversal were assessed in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats fed with varied percentages of Xanthosoma sagittifolium corm feed (Xs). The changes were compared to normoglycemic rats and diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide. Methods The study had eight groups in all with group 8 (control) consisting of five normoglycemic rats fed with normal rat pellets (Nrp). Diabetes was experimentally induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan to normoglycemic rats. Diabetic rats (serum glucose >200 mg/dL) at 48 h postinjection were randomly divided into the seven groups, each diabetic group consisting of five rats. One group was untreated and fed with Nrp, four groups were fed with 25 %, 50 %, 75 % or 100 % Xs, one group was fed with 100 % Xs and administered with glibenclamide, while a 7th group was fed with Nrp and administered with glibenclamide. Results This study shows that treatment of diabetes with corm of X. sagittifolium increases cellular response to inflammation which is required for body defense against assaulting agents. Decreased serum protein levels observed in untreated diabetic rats were restored in diabetic rats fed with X. sagittifolium corm with particular increase in serum albumin levels but depression of globulin fraction, except in rats fed with X. sagittifolium feed and administered with glibenclamide. X. sagittifolium showed a potent antihyperglycemic effect and corrected the dyslipidemia in a manner comparable to that observed for glibenclamide. Although HDL levels were still low, significant (p<0.05) decrease of LDL levels was a positive indicator of reduced risk for development of cardiovascular and/or coronary heart disease. Conclusions X. sagittifolium corm can be recommended for inclusion in diets of diabetics without causing further deterioration of health of the diabetic patients.

Effect of Traditional Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus with Xanthosoma sagittifolium on the Male Reproductive System of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats.

The management of diabetes mellitus (DM) targets glycemic control as well as prevention or reversal of other complications associated with the metabolic disorder. One of such complications is the infertility which has been traced to oxidative stress and DNA damage caused by DM. In this study, experimentally-induced diabetic male Wistar rats were fed with Xanthosoma sagittifolium (cocoyam) for 14 days and its effect on sperm morphology and characteristics, as well as histology of the testes were assessed. X. sagittifolium corm feed (Xs) were reconstituted with commercial rat feed to contain 25, 50, 75 or 100% X. sagittifolium on a weight/weight basis. One primary and 7 secondary cell abnormalities were observed with overall increased total abnormal sperm cells in the diabetic rats. Sperm cell motility was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in all diabetic rats, but diabetic rats fed with Xs showed increased motility and liveability. Sperm volume was unchanged, but the depressed sperm count in the untreated diabetic rats was increased in Xs-fed rats. Histology of Xs-fed diabetic rats showed reduction in seminiferous tubule diameter and luminal diameter which was significantly enlarged in untreated diabetic rats. X. sagittifolium significantly (p<0.05) prevented further deterioration of sperm cell quality and reversed cell apoptosis as presented by increased sperm motility, liveability and count. In the overall, the chances of fertilization by sperm cells from diabetic patients will be increased as well as achievement of good glycemic control and prevention of further damage by the disease condition.

Design of cissus-alginate microbeads revealing mucoprotection properties in anti-inflammatory therapy.

Cissus gum has been employed as polymer with sodium alginate in the formulation of diclofenac microbeads and the in vivo mucoprotective properties of the polymer in anti-inflammatory therapy assessed in rats with carrageenan-induced paw edema in comparison to diclofenac powder and commercial diclofenac tablet. A full 2(3) factorial experimental design has been used to investigate the influence of concentration of cissus gum (X1); concentration of calcium acetate (X2) and stirring speed (X3) on properties of the microbeads. Optimized small discrete microbeads with size of 1.22±0.10 mm, entrapment efficiency of 84.6% and t80 of 15.2±3.5 h were obtained at ratio of cissus gum:alginate (1:1), low concentration of calcium acetate (5% w/v) and high stirring speed (400 rpm). In vivo studies showed that the ranking of percent inhibition of inflammation after 3h was diclofenac powder>commercial tablet=cissus>alginate. Histological damage score and parietal cell density were lower while crypt depth and mucosal width were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the groups administered with the diclofenac microbeads than those administered with diclofenac powder and commercial tablet, suggesting the mucoprotective property of the gum. Thus, cissus gum could be suitable as polymer in the formulation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ensuring sustained release while reducing gastric side effects.