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This study evaluated the hypoglycaemic, antihyperglycaemic and anti-lipid peroxidative activity of Persea americana peel in experimental rats. 60 male wistar rats were used for this study which lasted for 42 days. The animals were randomly grouped as: A-Normal control (feed + distilled water), B- Glibenclamide 0.6mg/kg/day, C- Avocado peel extract 50mg/kg, D- Diabetic, E- Diabetic + glibenclamide 0.6mg/kg/day, F- Diabetic + avocado peel extract 50mg/kg. Fasting blood glucose and blood level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) were assayed for. With standard protocols, the heart and kidney of each animal was collected for tissue homogenization. Biochemical analysis of tissue homogenates includes Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and isoprostanes (F2isoP). This study revealed a possible link between oxidative stress and hyperglycaemia in diabetic conditions. Avocado peel, dose and time-dependently reduced blood glucose level below normal as well as products of lipid peroxidation. Determination of the possible mechanisms by which avocado peel affects these biomarkers may be indispensible to medicinal research. This study revealed further therapeutic potential of avocado peel.

Introduction: Lead (Pb) is a transition metal and a known male reproductive toxicant that induces its effects mainly through oxidative stress. This study investigated the effects of L-Citrulline (Cit) supplement on reproductive functions and antioxidant activities in Lead acetate treated male rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty male rats (180-200 g) were grouped into four and treated as follows; Group 1 (Control), given distilled water, Group 2 was given Pb acetate (2.25mg/kg), Group 3 was co-treated with Pb acetate (2.25mg/kg) and Cit (900mg/kg) and Group 4 was given Cit (900mg/kg) only. All administrations were done orally for thirty days. Caudal sperm, serum hormone levels and testicular antioxidant activities and Nitric oxide levels were evaluated at the end administrations. Results: Results showed decrease (p

Background: The extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa commonly known as Sobo is widely consumed for its nutritional and health benefits. This study investigated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of H. sabdariffa on anemic condition caused by phenylhydrazine in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty (30) rats used for this study were divided into three groups of 10 rats each. Group 1 received distilled water and served as control. Group 2 received phenylhydrazine (40 mg/kg, i.p.). Group 3 was treated with phenylhydrazine (40 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 minutes prior to administration of (200 mg/kg, p.o.) aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa (Sobo) once daily for 14 days. At the end, 2 ml blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture into clean sample bottles containing ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) for hematological analyses. Results: Sobo significantly increased (P

Geochemical studies of weathering profiles around Kitibi-Iwoye revealed redistribution of elements from parental pegmatite to the regolith. Geological mapping showed that the pegmatite intrudes diorite and migmatite gneiss. Weathered samples from B-horizon were air-dried, pulverised and analysed using X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) in the Department of Geological Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa. Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA), Weathering Index of Parker (WIP), Mass balance calculation and Al2O3 – CaO+Na2O – K2O (A–CN–K) ternary plot were employed to determine elemental mobility and distribution caused by weathering. SiO₂ (74.2 and 43.4 wt %), CaO (0.43 and 0.03 wt. %), Na2O (7.14 and 0.04 wt. %), K2O (1.90 and 0.67 wt. %), MnO (0.11 and 0.03 wt. %) and P2O5 (0.20 and 0.05wt. %) displayed depletion from parent rock to the regolith respectively. But Al₂O₃ (15.5 wt. % and 33.5 wt. %), Fe2O3 (0.39 and 3.40 wt. %), TiO2 (0.04 and 0.35 wt. %) and MgO (0.08 and 0.11 wt. %) showed enrichment from parent rock to the regolith respectively. Fe₂O₃ (3.19) is the most enriched whereas Na2O (-99.8), CaO (-98.9), P2O5 (-95.3), K2O (-89.5), SiO2 (-81.9), MgO (-73.1), MnO (-64.5) and Al2O3 (-23.6) are progressively depleted. Mean CIA value of 97.8 revealed that weathering has almost reached its completion whereas CIA of 62.1 for the pegmatite suggested that the parent rock is at incipient stage of weathering. Pegmatite had a WIP of 110.5 whereas the weathered samples with WIP ranging from 2.66, 3.88, 6.03, 6.23, 6.92, 8.08, 9.08, 9.76 and 14.6 respectively showed decreasing trend of weathering. This study confirmed contrasting behaviour of CIA and WIP. A-CN-K diagram suggested strongly weathered samples plotted at the apex of Al2O3 field whereas pegmatite plots along the A-CN line.

Free radicals generated in a variety of biological systems have been implicated in mechanisms of aging and age-related pathologies. This study strategically revealed the varying levels of carbonylated proteins in 3 different tissues of 40 wistar rats of varying ages. Their ages include 25-30, 45-50 and 65-70 days. The brain, heart and kidney tissue homogenates were prepared and biochemically analyzed for products of protein oxidation using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones and autoantibodies against carbonylated proteins. This study revealed a direct proportional relationship between age and protein carbonylation in brain, heart and kidney tissue homogenates. The level of carbonylated proteins were significantly (P≤0.05) increased in the assayed tissues as all test groups advanced in age. Oxidative modification of proteins in brain and kidney tissues showed similar trend. This age-related biochemical manifestation may be as a result of increased generation of free radicals at mitochondrial level or decreased anti-oxidant defenses as living organisms advance in age.

Summary: Effect of honey on reproductive functions of male rats exposed to nicotine was examined in this study. Thirty-two adult male wistar rats (n=8/Group) were grouped as Control (distilled water), Nicotine (1.0mg/kg bwt), Honey (100mg/kg bwt) and Nicotine with Honey. The animals were orally treated for 35 days consecutively. Epididymis sperm motility, viability, morphology and counts were estimated, serum Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Leutinizing Hormone (LH) and Testosterone were assayed using ELISA method and testicular histology were also assessed. Significant reduction in percentage sperm motility, viability, morphology and counts were observed in nicotine group (p

The patho-physiology of pre-eclampsia is not fully understood. This study determined the plasma levels of markers of oxidative stress, thyroid hormones, nitric oxide, C-reactive protein, and nutritional profiles in pre-eclamptic patients. Thirty-two pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and 40 women with normal pregnancy (controls) participated in this study. The pre-eclamptics were recruited after 20 weeks of gestation. They presented with hypertension (systolic pressure = 169 ± 26.0 mmHg, diastolic pressure = 102 ± 11.0 mmHg), significant proteinuria (368 ± 39 mg/24 h), severe headache, abdominal pain and vomiting. The plasma levels of total antioxidant potential (TAP), total plasma peroxides (TPP), total cholesterol (TC), total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, nitric oxide (NO), C-reactive protein (CRP), total tri-iodotyronine (TT3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were determined in them using spectrophotometry, radial immunodiffusion and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods, respectively. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated as the percent ratio of TPP and TAP. The weight and body mass index of pre-eclamptics increased significantly (p

The erythrocytic parameters during pregnancy and pseudopregnancy in bitches were studied and compared in 8 bitches aged 2 -3 years and weighing 10-12 kg. Blood samples were collected from the bitches before mating, during the three trimesters of pregnancy and the post partum period. The packed cell volume (PCV %), haemoglobin concentration (Hb gm/dl), red blood cell count(x10(6)/µl) were determined using standard methods. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were then calculated. Six of the bitches were pregnant and 2 were pseudopregnant. The results showed that in pregnant bitches, the PCV decreased significantly from the premating values of 51.37+0.94% to 34.00+8.04% during the third trimester of pregnancy (P0.05). There was also a significant decrease in Hb values (P0.05) from the premating period (16.30 ± 0.20gm/dl) to the third trimester of pregnancy (11.25±1.80gm/dl). The values of Red blood cells (RBCx10(6)/μl) during the premating period (12.70+3.15) were not significantly different from the values during the first second and third trimesters (11.13+3.87, 10.38+4.54 and 12.24+3.15, respectively). The trend of decrease in PCV and Hb values were not observed in the bitches with pseudopregnancy. This shows that these erythrocytic parameters can be used to detect and differentiate between pregnancy and pseudopregnancy in bitches as early as the first 20 days post mating.

The roentgenologic features of 160 cases of tuberculosis of the abdomen are reviewed. The 3 standard examinations of the gastrointestinal tract (plain film abdominal roentgenography, barium meal and follow-through studies, and barium enema examinations) are required to provide useful pointers towards the diagnosis. In plain film roentgenography of the abdomen, the triad of ascites, absence of gas shadows in the right iliac fossa, and segmental dilatation of the terminal ileum demonstrates features which are very suspicious of intestinal tuberculosis. In the barium meal studies showing disordered small bowel patterns, tuberculosis of the abdomen should be considered when this pattern is associated with fixation of bowel loops on supine and erect roentgenograms, spiculation and the presence of multiple strictures in the small bowel. Although the duodenojejunal and ileocecal regions are the commonest sites involved, lesions are not confined to these sites alone, but may also involve any part of the alimentary canal such as the esophagus and the small and large bowel. However, no anorectal lesions were encountered in this study.

Summary Four cases of severe osteolysis of bones subsequent to camel bite are described. The first had osteolysis of the ribs with traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Two cases had similar appearances of gross osteolysis of the shafts of the radius and ulna, whilst one had osteolysis of the humeral shaft. The similarities in the radiological appearances especially of the gross osteolysis at the site of trauma are noted. The complications following mammal bites are discussed.

A case of tumoral calcinosis in a 7 year old Nigerian boy is presented. The clinical and roentgenologic features are described.The symmetric scapular lesions showed fluid levels on the erect posteroanterior roentgenogram of the chest; no gas or contrast medium had been introduced.This appearance correlates well with the macroscopic appearance of the lesion which is an encapsulated mass with multiple cysts, each cyst containing fluid with debris of calcific structures.Biochemical alterations were present. These are discussed, especially the high values of the serum phosphorus which has been observed by others. This and other evidence suggest that tumoral calcinosis is a dystrophic calcification in areas of chronic trauma in patients who may have an error of metabolism.

Twenty cases of tuberculous ileo-colitis with radiographic changes seen in the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, are reviewed and the clinical features and radiographic patterns examined. The intestinal lesions in all cases were secondary to healed and active pulmonary tuberculosis. Although the ileo-caecal region is the commonest site of involvement, lesions also occurred in the distal part of the colon and the entire colon was sometimes involved. Rare occurrences, such as the diverticular type, enterolithiasis, tuberculosis presenting as intussusception and as an appendicular mass, are also reported. Four principal radiological types of colonic change emerged from the study, namely, the hyperplastic, the ulcerative, the mixed ulcero-hyperplastic, and the carcinoma-like types. The salient features in the differential diagnosis of ileo-colonic lesions in a tropical setting are discussed.

Eight cases of intestinal amebiasis are described: 4 with ameboma (one of which was annular in type simulating a carcinoma, and another presenting as intussusception); 2 with toxic dilatation; 2 with multiple strictures; and 1 with pseudodiverticula.Intussusception and multiple strictures are rare in amebiasis. Pseudodiverticula are unknown in amebiasis. These changes are reported in this series.One case presenting with toxic dilatation demonstrated the radiologic progression from the initial ulcerative type of the disease to the late chronic stage of the disease with the classical "pipe-stem" colon. Another fulminating case demonstrated that fibrosis could occur in areas of severe mucosal changes within 2 weeks of treatment.The disease involved the cecum in all cases, the entire colon in 5 cases, and the rectum in 4 cases.The close similarities in the radiologic appearances of intestinal amebiasis and nonspecific chronic ulcerative colitis are emphasized.The lack of involvement of the terminal ileum in a...

The clinical and angiographic findings in 5 consecutive patients with congestive cardiac failure are presented to illustrate the pitfalls in the clinical diagnosis of endomyocardial fibrosis. In one patient the clinical diagnosis was confirmed at angiography while another patient who had angiographic evidence of early right ventricular endomyocardial fibrosis was diagnosed clinically as mitral stenosis. In 2 patients the clinical diagnosis was erroneous, there being no evidence of endomyocardial fibrosis on angiography. The fifth patient, who had angiographic evidence of idiopathic cardiomegaly, was diagnosed clinically as either idiopathic cardiomegaly or advanced left ventricular endomyocardial fibrosis. In tropical countries, where endomyocardial fibrosis, rheumatic heart disease, and idiopathic cardiomegaly are common, accurate clinical diagnosis of endomyocardial fibrosis is often difficult and angiographic studies are essential for confirmation.

The clinical and roentgenologic features of tropical ulcers, the bone response to this soft tissue condition, and the complications are outlined.Although the bone changes may be similar to other bone lesions, the diagnosis is not usually difficult if the condition is considered.The somewhat unique form of bone reaction in this condition is discussed.

Twenty-two cases of splenic abscess in Nigerians are reviewed; 2 were of the secondary type and 20 were primary splenic abscesses. Roentgenographically, 3 types of abscesses were distinguished: Type A with findings related only to splenomegaly; Type B with splenomegaly and gas within the abscess (pyogaseous abscess); and Type C with findings of localized or generalized peritonitis in addition to splenomegaly.Fifteen patients with primary abscesses had hemoglobin electrophoresis done; 13 had Hb S present. Almost all patients with Type A abscesses had hemoglobin AS (sickle cell trait) electrophoretically. All patients with primary pyogaseous abscesses (Type B) had hemoglobin SC disease. There were no hemoglobin SS (homozygous sickle cell anemia) patients among those who had hemoglobin electrophoresis done. These findings and associations are discussed. The gene for Hb S is thought to be a significant factor in the etiology of primary splenic abscesses. It is important to recognize that Hb AS persons, who ar...