Protective Effects of Magnesium Chloride on Liver Enzymes and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in high fat diet fed Rats.

The excessive consumption of high cholesterol diet has been associated with an increased incidence of obesity. This is because obesity induced pathologies with high mortality, such as complications of dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although the associated, disease are enhanced by formation of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and hypercholesterolaemia. Magnesium chloride is found to be beneficial in a wide range of diseases. Magnesium is one of the most neglected mineral in human body. It is crucial for a healthy and lasting life. Magnesium is responsible for the activation of more than 300 enzymes in the body. The present study intends to determine the protective effect of magnesium chloride on liver enzyme and biomarker of oxidative stress in high fat diet fed rats. Twenty (20) adult Male Wistar rats weighing (100 - 150) grams randomly divided into three treatments and one control groups of five rats each (n = 5). Group I Normal control receive normal feed only for 6weeks, Group II received high fat diet only for 6weeks, Group III received high fat diet with 250 mg/kg for 6weeks of mgcl2 and Group IV received 500 mg/kg for 6weeks of MgCl2 respectively all treatments were administered via oral route, at the end of the sixth week rats were euthanized and blood samples were drawn from the heart by cardiac puncture and used to estimate oxidative stress biomarkers (Superoxide dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione peroxidase), lipid peroxidation biomarkers (Malondialdehyde) and liver enzymes. Analysis of variance and Turkey's post hoc test were used to analyze the data obtained. In relation to the liver enzyme, the showed that there was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in value of AST, ALT and ALP in the group co-administered with the doses of the Magnesium chloride to compared to the control. For the oxidative stress biomarkers assessed, the results showed that there was significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the SOD, CAT and GPx level of the high fat diet fed groups, co-administered with   250 and 500 MgCl2, when compared with the high fat diet fed group only. Also, the lipid peroxidation shows significant (p<0.05) decrease in the groups administered the two doses of Magnesium chloride (250 and 500 mg/kg) respectively as compared to control. In relation to the liver enzyme, the showed that there were significant (p<0.05) changes in value of AST, ALT and ALP in the group co-administered with the two doses of the Magnesium chloride compared to the control. The result showed that high-fat diet induces ROS, dyslipidaemia and release of biological metabolite, as evidenced by the rise in oxidative stress and activities of liver enzymes. MgCl2 administration also protected the body against rise in the metabolites despite consumption of high-fat diet by the Wistar Rats.

Resveratrol increases serum adiponectin level and decreases leptin and insulin level in an experimental model of hypercholesterolemia.

Serum adiponectin concentration is inversely associated with leptin and insulin concentration. There is little paucity of information in the literature on the adipokine levels and regulation by resveratrol in cholesterol diet-fed animals. Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into six groups, each of five animals: Group 1 = control (C), Group 2 = cholesterol diet (CD) only, Group 3 = resveratrol 200 mg/kg (R200), Group 4 = resveratrol 400 mg/kg (R400), Group 5 = CD + R200, Group 6 = CD + R400. The preparations were administered for 8th weeks of the treatment protocol. weight and blood glucose level were measured on week zero and the 8th week of the treatment. At the end of the study period, the rabbits were placed under light anaesthesia. Blood samples were evaluated for serum concentrations of metabolites assays (adiponectin, leptin and insulin). Serum adiponectin significantly (P < 0.05) increased in resveratrol + CD groups, compared to CD group only. Leptin and insulin significantly (P <0.05) decreased in CD groups co-administered with resveratrol, compared with CD group only. In conclusion, the increase in adiponectin level and decrease in leptin and insulin level following resveratrol administration elucidated the therapeutic potential of resveratrol, despite cholesterol diet consumption.

Undergraduate Students' Understanding of Physiology Subject, Opinions and Perception: The Case of Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.

Human Physiology courses are compulsory in medical education but many students encounter challenges instudying them. This study investigates understandings, opinions and perceptions of students about physiology subject andthe challenges they encounter in their study. Two hundred and eighty (280) students were interviewed using structuredquestionnaire. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics 22. The mean age of the students was 22.8 ± 4.1 years.Males constituted 174(62.1%), while females were 106 (37.9%). Majority of the respondents were in 300 level of study inthe university 178(63.6%) as of the time of conducting this research. Most of the participants 257(91.8%) claimed to havegood to excellent understanding of the physiology subjects. One hundred and nine (39.1%) alleged that academic staff hadunfriendly attitude like rushing lectures, commencing lectures late and fixing tests and other continuous assessment close toexaminations, and that lecturers have poor communication/ teaching skills. Less than one-third (28.7%) believed that thesubjects have bulky course contents, and 56(20.1%) were of the opinion that the students' lack of seriousness or interest isamong the reasons for failing physiology courses. On binary logistic regression, being of female sex, and in 300 level ofstudy emerged as the independent predictors of the students' perception of physiology. Improving the pedagogy 102(36.4%),good attitude of staff towards students and teaching 73(26.1%), improving infrastructure and equipment 35(12.5%); andinstituting guidance and counseling unit for both staff and student 31(11.1%) were the ways suggested by the students forimproving performance in physiology subject. Most of the students had poor and negative perception about physiologysubjects (83.2%). Guidance and counseling for students, through the level coordinators and the mentor-mentee programshould be strengthened in all departments. Basic infrastructure and equipment, and teaching techniques should also beupgraded.

Effects of Clove and Fermented Ginger on Blood Glucose, Leptin, Insulin and Insulin Receptor Levels in High Fat DietInduced Type 2 Diabetic Rabbits.

The aimed of this research is to evaluate the effects of clove and fermented ginger supplements on blood glucose,serum insulin, insulin receptor and Leptin levels of high fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in rabbits. Clove and gingerare spices with records of medicinal value over decades. Thirty males rabbits weighing, 1-1.5kg were used for the research.Type 2 diabetes was induced by feeding the animals with a high fat diet for a period of eight weeks. Blood glucose levelswere determined after the induction period and rabbits having 140 mg/dL and above were selected for the study. The animalswere grouped into six groups with five (n=5) rabbits in each group: Group 1 (Normoglycemic control group.) received normalfeed and distilled water ad libitum for six weeks; Group 2 (Diabetic negative control group.) received normal feed anddistilled water ad libitum for six weeks; Groups 3 (Diabetic positive control.) received cholestran 0.26g/kg and normal feedfor a period of six weeks; Group 4 and 5 (diabetic rabbits) were fed on 12.5%, clove and 12.5% fermented gingerrespectively for a period of six weeks; while Group 6 were co-fed on 12.5% clove and 12.5% fermented ginger for a periodof six weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels were determined at weekly interval during the treatment period. At the end of theexperiment, the rabbits were euthanized by cervical dislocation and blood samples were collected for the determination ofinsulin, insulin receptor and leptin levels. A significantly (P<0.05) decrease in blood glucose levels was recorded in thesupplements treated groups compared to diabetic control group. Clove supplement been most effective and sustaining inantihyperglycemic activity, also appears with a significant decreasing effect on leptin levels compared to diabetic controlgroup. A significant increase in insulin levels was also noted in the fermented ginger treated group along with higher levelsof Leptin compared as compared to control group. In conclusion the result of the study show that clove and fermented gingersupplementation possesses anti-diabetic properties and may help in the control of hyperleptinaemia in type 2 diabetes.

Resveratrol prevents high-fat diet-induced obesity and oxidative stress in rabbits.

The rapid epidemiological progression of obesity worldwide has been associated with increased consumption of diets, rich in fat and sugar. Mediterranean diets rich in resveratrol are associated with reduced risk of obesity and oxidative stress. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the protective effect of resveratrol on high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity and oxidative stress changes in rabbits. Thirty rabbits divided into six groups of five animals each were used for the experiment: Group 1 = control (C), Group 2 = high fat diet (HFD) only, Group 3 = resveratrol 200 mg/kg (R200), Group 4 = resveratrol 400 mg/kg (R400), Group 5 = HFD + R200 and group 6 = HFD + R400. After four weeks of treatment, the HFD group showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in body weight of the animals, when compared with the groups co- administered with resveratrol and high-fat diet, and resveratrol alone groups. Activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the HFD groups co-administered with resveratrol when compared with HFD group only. In conclusion, administration of HFD to rabbits increased body weight and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities which were mitigated by resveratrol administration.

Modulatory Role of Vitamins A and E on Memory and Motor Functions of Cyanide Induced Neurotoxicity in Adult Swiss Mice.

Cyanide is a potent neurotoxic substance that can initiate series of intracellular reactions leading to oxidativestress. To evaluate effect of sublethal administration of potassium cyanide (KCN) on sensorimotor functions and long termvisuo-spatial learning and memory in adult Swiss mice and possible ameliorative role of vitamins A and E. These vitaminsA and E (dietary) are antioxidants that have scavenging properties against free radicals and reactive oxygen species as aresult of oxidative stress induced by cyanide. Thirty-five mice weighing between 18-22 g were used for the study. Theanimals were randomly divided into five groups (n = 7) and exposed to sublethal concentration of potassium cyanide (10%LD50; 1.5 mg/kg). KCN was administered orally while vitamin A (25 mg/kg) and vitamin E (50 mg/kg) were administeredintra-peritoneal (IP) once daily for 28 days. Potassium cyanide (KCN) was first administered and after 10 minutes intervals,followed by vitamin A and then E after 5 minutes, vitamin E were administered across the different treatment groups. Micewere examined for signs of toxicity. Vitamins pre-treatment ameliorated toxic signs. In the dynamics of wire grid, coathanger and stationary beam test, the latency to fall in weeks 2 and 4 were statistically significant. In acquisition and retention,using elevated plus maze (EPM), KCN treated group recorded high transfer latencies in seconds (50.40±1.72 secs) and(57.60±0.93 secs) as compared to group IV (29.40±0.68 secs; 5.60±0.60 secs). Cyanide is a neurotoxin that affects motorfunctions with progressive decline in motor strength and coordination. KCN affects acquisition and retention memory whilepre-treatment with antioxidant vitamins A and E ameliorated these deficits.

Anti-hyperglycaemic Effects of Rutin on Blood Glucose, Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Lipid Peroxidation in Alloxan-induced Hyperglycaemic Wistar Rats.

The present study investigated the anti-hyperglycaemic effect of rutin on blood glucose, oxidative stressbiomarkers and lipid peroxidation in alloxan induced hyperglycaemic wistar rats. Diabetes was induced in rats by anintraperitoneal (i.p) injection of alloxan monohydrate 150 mg/kg body weight. Twenty five wistar rats were divided asfollows; Group1 served as diabetic control received distilled water 2 mg/kg, Group served as positive control received 2mg/kg glibenclamide, 3, 4 and 5 received rutin at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 28 days respectively. At the end of the treatment, rats were sacrificed and the blood and serum were used for the analysis of blood glucose and oxidativestress biomarkers respectively. The determinations of blood glucose levels were carried out at intervals of 7, 14, 21 and 28days respectively Serum oxidative stress biomarkers lipid peroxidation, were done on the 28 days. Administrations of rutinat the three different doses 50,100 and 200 mg/kg to diabetic rats significantly (p<0.05) decreased the blood glucose levelsas compared to diabetic control. The dose of 200 mg/kg exhibited a maximum glucose lowering effect with blood glucoseof 102.8± 0.06 as compared to diabetic control 346.2±0.16. Furthermore, in relation to the oxidative stress biomarkers therewas a significant (p<0.05) increased in the levels of gluthathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase as comparedto control. However, there was also a significant decreased in the malondialdehyde levels as compared to control. It may beconcluded that oral administration of Rutin for 28 days decreases blood glucose levels and prevented oxidative stress andantioxidant status in hyperglycaemic rats.

Effects of Selenium Yeast on Blood Glucose and Antioxidant Biomarkers in Cholesterol Fed Diet Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Wistar Rats.

Selenium is an antioxidant that prevents oxygen radical from damaging cells from chronic diseases that can develop from cell injury and inflammation such as diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study is to investigate the possible protective effect of selenium yeast on cholesterol diet induced type-2 diabetes mellitus and oxidative stress in rats. Twenty male wistar rats were divided in to four groups of five animals each: Group 1: (Negative control) received standard animal feed only, Group 2:  received cholesterol diet (CD) only, Group 3: received CD and 0.1 mg/kg selenium yeast orally, Group 4: Received CD and 0.2 mg/kg selenium yeast orally for six weeks. At the end of the study period, the animals were sacrificed and the serum samples were collected and evaluated for estimation of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The results showed a significant decrease in blood glucose level in the groups  co-administered CD and selenium yeast when compared to CD group only. Antioxidant enzymes status recorded significant decrease in SOD, CAT and GPx activities in CD and selenium yeast administered when compared to CD group only. In Conclusion, Selenium yeast administrations prevent free radical formations which are potent inducer of diabetes mellitus.

Effects of Fermented Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber officinale) and Fenu Greek (Trigonella foenum-graceum) Supplements on Oxidative stress and Lipid Peroxidation Biomarkers in Poloxamer-407 Induced -Hyperlipidemic Wistar Rats.

This research was aimed at investigating the Effects of Fermented Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber officinale) and Fenu Greek (Trigonella foenum-graceum) on Oxidative stress and Lipid Peroxidation Biomarkers in Poloxamer 407Induced-Hyperlipidemic Wistar Rats. Hyperlipidaemia was induced with poloxamer P407 (1.5 g/kg   b.w. i.p.) The Animals were grouped into six of five animals each group. Group 1 normal control, Group 2 served as the hyperlipidemic control, Group 3 administered 0.26 g/kg cholestyramine, Group 4 fed on Fenugreek 25% supplement. Group 5 fed on 25% fermented ginger supplement, while group 6 were fed on 25% ginger and fenu greek combined   respectively. All treatments were given for a period of four week. Serum antioxidant activities such as catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Malondialdehyde were evaluated.  As regards to the catalase activity there was a significant decrease in the groups' fed on 25% fenugreek and 25% fermented ginger supplements respectively. However, co-fed with both supplements significantly increase the catalase activity as compared with the hyperlipidaemic control untreated. Comparism with the positive control cholestyramine, there was also a significant increase. Also in relation to the SOD activity there was a significant increase in the activity as compared with the hyperlipidemic control. Furthermore, the Gpx activity there was a significant increase in the as compared with the hyperlipidemic control. oxidative stress biomarker activities SOD) there was significant increase (p<0.05) when compared with hyperlipidemic control. There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the Malondialdehyde levels in the groups fed with the supplement when compared with hyperlipidemic control. In conclusion supplements of Fenugreek and Ginger improved antioxidant status and reduced Malondialdehyde in Poloxamer-407 Induced-Hyperlipidemic Wistar Rats.

Resveratrol Protects Rabbits Against Cholesterol Diet-Induced Hyperlipidaemia.

The excessive consumption of high cholesterol diet has been associated with an increased incidence oflipidaemia. Lipidaemia is enhanced by formation of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and hyperglycaemia. The aim ofthese experiments was to investigate the protective effect of resveratrol co-administered with cholesterol diet inducedhyperlipidaemia in rabbits. Thirty rabbits divided into six groups of five animal (group= 5) each: group 1 = normal control,group 2 = cholesterol diet/high fat diet group only (HFD), group 3 = resveratrol 200 mg/kg (R200), group 4 = resveratrol400 mg/kg (R400), group 5 = HFD + R200 and group 6 = HFD + R400. The normal group was fed with standard animalfeeds only; while the HFD groups were fed with standard animal feeds + cholesterol diet (10% Groundnut oil, 20%Groundnut mill and 2% cholesterol). Resveratrol-treated rabbits received resveratrol suspended in 10 g/Lcarboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and the control group received the vehicle only, CMC. The preparations were administeredfor 8 weeks of experimental protocol. At the end of the study period, the animals were sacrificed. Blood and plasma sampleswere collected. Serum evaluation of lipid profile such as total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (Tg), low density lipoproteincholesterol (LDP-c) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were also assessed. The results obtained showsignificant (P < 0.05) decrease in total cholesterol (TC), Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDP-c), total triacylglyceroland an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) in resveratrol treated groups compared to HFD group only.In conclusion, the findings indicated that Resveratrol may contain polar products able to lower plasma lipid concentrationsand might be beneficial in treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.

Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Ficus Glumosa on Fasting blood Glucose and Serum Lipid Profile in Diabetic Rats.

Ficus glumosa, commonly known as the fig tree or "African rock fig" is a plant with immense medicinal value used for the management of diabetes for over 2000 years. The aim of the present study is to determine the hypoglycemic and anti-lipidemic properties of the ethanolic leaves extract of Ficus glumosa in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Thirty (30) adult male Wister rats weighing (120 - 220) grams of about 18 to 22 weeks of age were used in the study. The animals were assigned into six groups (1-6) of five rats (n=5) each. Group VI served as the positive control group receiving 0.9% normal saline (5ml/kg) alone via intra-peritoneal route (i.p.), Groups I (negative control), II, III, IV and V were treated with alloxan and after the induction of hyperglycaemia, received in addition via i.p. for 7 days: 0.9% normal saline (5ml/kg) alone, 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of ethanolic leaves extract of Ficus glumosa respectively while Group V received 6lU/kg of short-acting insulin. The determinations of blood glucose levels were carried out at intervals of one day for 7 days. Serum lipid profile, were done on the 7th day.Premininary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids,saponin,tannins,cardiac glycosides,triterpenes,ceramides and reducing sugars.The LD50 of the extract of Ficus glumosa was found to be 2,154mg/kg.The results of the study showed that,100mg/kg and 400mg/kg of ethanolic leaves extract of Ficus glumosa significantly lowered blood glucose levels and 200mg/kg significantly lowered serum lipid profile compared with negative control group.In conclusion, the results of the study showed that Ficus glumosa possesses anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-lipidemic effect.

Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum (Labiate) in rodents.

The aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum was investigated for anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice and rats. The models used to study the effect on nociception are the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test, hot-plate method in mice. The anti-inflammatory effect was investigated employing the formalin-induced hind-paw oedema in rats. The extract caused a significant (p<0.05), dose-dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-plate method. The extract also exhibited anti-inflammatory effect which was significant (P<0.001) at all the three doses. The intraperitoneal LD(50) value of the extract was 1264.9 mg/kg body weight in mice. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins and flavonoids. The results suggest the extract contained pharmacologically active principles, and supports the local application of the plant in painful and inflammatory conditions.

Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of syzygium aromaticum flower bud in Wistar rats and mice.

The ethanol extracts of Syzygium aromaticum flower bud were tested for anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice and Wistar rats which were carried out using acetic acid-induced abdominal contractions in mice and formalin-induced hind paw edema in Wistar rats. Three doses of the ethanol extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight i.p.) were used for both studies. The extract had an LD(50) of 565.7 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally in mice. The extracts produced significant effect (P<0.05) at all the three doses. Similarly, the anti-nociceptive activity produced significant effects (P<0.05) at all the three doses of the extract. The result supports the local use of the plant in painful and inflammatory conditions.