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Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are increasingly being used in real clinical settings for drug delivery, gene transfer, cancer cell detection, phototherapy, and antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities, among other uses. Hence, knowledge about their potential toxicity and health impact is essential. This study therefore investigated the biochemical effects of gold nanoparticles in Wistar rats. Sixteen (16) Wistar rats were grouped into 4 (n = 4). Animals in the negative control group were orally administered 0.3 ml of distilled water (vehicle) while other treatment groups were respectively given oral administration of 0.3 ml each of 1, 10, and 20 mg/kg b.w. AuNPs for 7 days. Biochemical measurements of oxidative stress indices in rat plasma and tissue homogenates were recorded on a UV/Vis spectrophotometer. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the plasma and brain for all the biochemical parameters measured, when compared with the negative control group. Conversely, AuNPs at 20 mg/kg b.w. significantly (p < 0.001) raised protein carbonyl and lipid peroxidation levels in the lungs and percentage (%) DNA fragmented levels in the liver (p < 0.05). These results indicate that AuNPs particularly at 20 mg/kg b.w. might predispose to oxidative stress.

Available anti-cancer agents are beset with various challenges including limited efficacy, non-selectivity, and toxic side effect. These factors underpin the search for more effective alternative from plant materials or natural products. Meanwhile, plant polyphenols including gallotannin have been implicated for diverse medicinal potentials. In the present study, we investigated the toxic effect of gallotannin (GT) on human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). GT reduced viability of breast cancer cells appreciably with an EC50 value of

Citrullus vulgaris (watermelon) is a fruit with prophylactic and therapeutic potentials. In an attempt to maximize these potentials, the seed and rind are now often consumed together with the pulp. This study aimed at evaluating the implications of such consumption. Study involved the use of 35 Wistar rats grouped into seven with a control group administered distilled water, and the other groups administered varying concentrations of the pulp and whole fruit for 28 days. Alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT, AST) were assayed in the serum and liver. Total protein of the serum and selected tissues was determined and malondialdehyde (MDA) level measured. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of steroids, saponin, alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids in both whole fruit and pulp. Significant increases (p

This study evaluated the toxicity potential of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles in Wistar rats. Wistar rats weighing between 180 and 193 g were randomly assigned into four groups. Animals in group 1 served as the control and received distilled water. Those in groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered with 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight of Pt nanoparticles, respectively. At the end of treatments, the rats were fasted for 24 h and sacrificed under mild anesthesia. The blood and vital organs were collected and used for the biochemical and histopathological examinations. Pt nanoparticles caused significant alterations to the rat organ weights relative to the control. Also, the Pt nanoparticles altered the rat level of lipid profile and significantly elevated the atherogenic index relative to the control. The total protein level was increased in the tissues while the albumin decreased following nanoparticle treatment. Also, the nanoparticles inconsistently altered the level of serum urea and creatinine while the serum bilirubin level was raised. The activities of aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were reduced by nanoparticle treatments. However, the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was inconsistently altered in serum and tissues by nanoparticle treatment with a significant elevation in the liver. Furthermore, nanoparticle exposure in rats caused several morphological lesions including inflammation and cellular degeneration, all of which were conspicuously absent in the control group. We show evidence that Pt nanoparticles potentiated alteration of rat biochemical and morphological indices in manners reminiscent of early cellular injury.

There is no clear-cut understanding yet of the effect of a sustained production of nitric oxide (NO) either through endogenous or exogenous source on the iron (Fe) metabolism in living cells. Albeit, there are evidences linking decreased NO production to increased iron levels. A high level of free iron in living cells, predispose such systems to oxidative damage through the promotion of free hydroxyl radical generation. On the other hand, a continuous and sustained high level of NO could contribute to cellular damage arising from the debilitating effect of peroxynitrite, a very reactive free radical formed between free NO and superoxide anion. This study investigated the biochemical influence of individual or co-administration of two drugs; nitroglycerin (NGC) and ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) in rats. Data revealed elevated levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase as well as high malondialdehyde concentrations. Consequently, the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase were raised. The histopathological presentations show the presence of gradual and subtle cellular damage. We present evidence that individual or co-administration of FeSO4 or NGC promoted the generation of free radical species which might have caused the tissue damage observed.

This study investigated the effects of chronic daily administration of ethanolic extract of Psidium guajava leaf on rat serum homeostasis and tissue morphology over a period of 7 days. The animals were divided into two groups (Groups A & B) of five rats each. Group A received distilled water which is the vehicle for the ethanolic extract administration. Group B received 150 mg/kg rat weight of the ethanolic extract of P. guajava. The rats were sacrificed and samples prepared after 1, 3, 5 and 7 daily doses. There was significant increase in the serum urea and creatinine relative to control group (P 0.05). Results from the histopathological examinations of tissues revealed apparent loss of cellular architecture in animals treated with the ethanolic extract relative to control group. Observation of portal tract inflammation and scattered necrotic spots in the liver of ethanolic extract treated animals showed severity with progression of daily administration of the extract. Histolological observations of kidney in the treated group revealed tubular congestion and pronounced inflammation, which also increased in severity with progression of daily administration of the extract. We provide evidence that the daily administration of the ethanolic extract of P. guajava leaves altered the serum homeostasis and produced pathological changes in selected rat tissues.