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Zoonotic diseases occur as a result of human interactions with animals with the inadvertent transmission of pathogens from one to another. Zoonoses remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality among human populations, as they have been a source of pandemics in human history. Viral zoonoses account for a significant percentage of pathogens of zoonotic sources, posing a huge risk to men’s general health and fertility. This review identifies the existing knowledge on the effects of viral zoonotic diseases on male fertility. Evidence from reviewed articles showed that viral zoonotic diseases elicit an immune reaction that induces inflammatory mediators and impairs testicular functions such as spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, leading to abnormal semen parameters that lead to subfertility/infertility. Although most zoonotic viruses linger in semen long after recovery, their presence in semen does not directly translate to sexual transmission. There is a need to further delineate the possible risk of the sexual transmission of these diseases. While a few of the viral zoonotic diseases discussed have been well-studied, there is a need to place attention on others so as to fully understand their effects on male reproduction and therefore take the right steps towards preserving male fertility.

In recent times, the application of artificial intelligence in facilitating, capturing, and restructuring Big data has transformed the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment of diseases, a field known as precision medicine. Big data has been established in various domains of medicine for example, artificial intelligence has found its way into immunology termed as immunoinformatics. There is evidence that precision medicine tools have made an effort to accurately detect, profile, and suggest treatment regimens for thyroid dysfunction using Big data such as imaging and genetic sequences. In addition, the accumulation of data on polymorphisms, autoimmune thyroid disease, and genetic data related to environmental factors has occurred over time resulting in drastic development of clinical autoimmune thyroid disease study. This review emphasized how genetic data plays a vital role in diagnosing and treating diseases related to autoimmune thyroid disease like Graves’ disease, subtle subclinical thyroid dysfunctions, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and hypothyroid autoimmune thyroiditis. Furthermore, connotation between environmental and endocrine risk factors in the etiology of the disease in genetically susceptible individuals were discussed. Thus, endocrinologists’ potential hurdles in cancer and thyroid nodules field include unreliable biomarkers, lack of distinct therapeutic alternatives due to genetic difference. Precision medicine data may improve their diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities using artificial intelligence.

Codeine (3-methylmorphine) is a known analgesic, antitussive, and antidiarrheal drug that is often abused for recreational purposes. It is metabolized in the liver via the cytochrome P450 system and thus hypothesized to induce hepatic injury especially when misused. Thus, the present study aimed at investigating changes in liver function, hepatic enzyme biomarker, proton pumps, antioxidant status, free radicals and TNF-α levels, as well as caspase 3 activities and hepatic DNA fragmentation after 6 weeks of oral codeine administration. Twenty-one male rabbits were randomized into 3 groups (n = 7). The control group had 1 ml of normal saline, while the low-dose and high-dose codeine groups received 4 and 10 mg/kg b.w of codeine respectively daily. The codeine-treated animals had significantly lower levels of serum proteins, increased activities of hepatic enzyme biomarkers and caspase 3, raised hepatic concentrations of free radicals and TNF-α, as well as increased hepatic DNA fragmentation. Codeine treatment also led to a significant decline in hepatic weight, activities of hepatic enzymatic antioxidant, Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase. These alterations were more pronounced in high-dose codeine treated animals than in the low-dose group. Histopathological study showed moderate fatty degeneration of hepatic parenchyma, infiltration of the portal tract by inflammatory cells with dense collagen fibre deposition in codeine-treated animals. The present study revealed that codeine induced liver injury and hepatic DNA damage via caspase 3-dependent signaling by suppressing hepatic antioxidant status and enhancing free radical and TNF-α generation.

Genomic-based information is an essential key to precise therapy referred to as personalized medicine. Its application in autoimmune disease treatment will bring the required breakthrough in medicine. Autoimmune diseases are the disease conditions where the body’s immune system recognizes and generate an immune response against self-antigens. There exist different approaches of which precision medicine data can be utilized in the clinical management of autoimmune diseases; this includes diagnosis, prognosis, stratification and treatment response prediction. Different markers exist to guide clinical decision while several others are still being identified and proposed. This chapter highlights data and databases in precision medicine of autoimmune diseases and the pathway for data sharing. The precision medicine of selected autoimmune diseases was discussed, and the different biomarkers utilized in the diagnosis, prognosis, stratification and response monitoring of such condition were considered.

Purpose This study assessed the in vitro effect of codeine, a popular drug of abuse, on human spermatozoa motility, plasma membrane integrity, DNA integrity, and oxidative stress. Materials and Methods Semen samples were collected from fifteen healthy donors and conventional semen analysis was carried out per the guideline of the World Health Organization. Direct Swim-up technique was performed to obtain highly motile sperm. Samples were incubated at 34.5°C with different concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 5 and 10 mM) of codeine. The non-exposed (0 mM) was used as the control group. Sperm motility and DNA integrity were assessed at 30, 60, and 90 minutes, while sperm membrane integrity and sperm 8-OHdG level were determined at 90 minutes. Results Codeine at any tested concentration significantly reduced sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity but increased sperm 8-OHdG level compared to the control in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, codeine at 1, 5, and 10 mM markedly increased sperm DNA damage. In addition, correlation study showed that sperm 8OHdG level was negatively associated with sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, and DNA integrity. Conclusions Codeine may impair human spermatozoa fertilization capacity by inducing sperm dysmotility and damage to the sperm plasma membrane and DNA through an oxidative stress-dependent mechanism.

Thyroid hormones have been shown to promote the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), consumption of antioxidants, and induction of oxidative stress, which triggers the release of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and VEGF-dependent angiogenesis. The present study investigated the effect of altered thyroid states, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism on hepatic and renal functions, oxidative stress biomarkers, and hepatorenal expressions of HSP70, HSP90, and VEGF. Male Wistar rats were randomized into vehicle-treated control, carbimazole-induced hypothyroidism, or levothyroxine-induced hyperthyroidism. Altered thyroid states caused impaired hepatic and renal functions accompanied by elevated malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione content and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the hepatic and renal tissues. These derangements were associated with down-regulation of hepatic and renal HSP70 and HSP90 and upregulation of hepatic and renal VEGF expression. Findings of histopathological examinations of the hepatic and renal tissues align with the biochemical derangements observed. This study reveals that dysthyroidism impairs hepatorenal function via induction of oxidative stress and modulation of HSP70/HSP90/VEGF signaling.

Background Codeine is the latest trend of drug abuse, particularly in Nigeria and regarded as the gateway to the abuse of other substances. Objectives The present study examined the effects of graded doses of codeine on sexual behaviour and fertility profile. Materials and methods Rabbits were either administered normal saline (0.2 mL), 4mg/kg b.w of codeine (low dose), or 10mg/kg b.w of codeine (high dose) p.o for 6 weeks. Results and discussion Findings of the study showed that codeine administration significantly increased libido as witnessed by significantly short mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), post-ejaculatory interval (PEI) and significantly increased mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF) and ejaculation latency (EL). Furthermore, codeine caused a marked rise in penile reflexes evident by a significant increase in erections, quick flips, long flips and total penile reflexes. However, copulatory efficiency and fertility index were significantly lower in codeine-treated groups when compared with the control. Serum levels of testosterone were also significantly lower in the treated groups. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that codeine-induced enhancement of sexual performance is via a testosterone-independent mechanism. It also reveals that although codeine enhances copulatory locomotor activity, it is a potential risk factor for infertility.

This study aimed to explore the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of omega 3 fatty acid (Ω-3) in a rat model of testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D). Under ketamine/xylazine anaesthesia, age-matched adult male Wistar rats of comparable weight underwent sham-operation or testicular torsion by fixing the left testis rotated at 720° for two and half hours. After detorsion, animals were treated with either olive oil as vehicle or Ω-3 subcutaneously for three days. On post-operative day 3, rats were culled and the ipsilateral and contralateral testes, as well as obtained blood samples, were analyzed. Our findings revealed that T/D led to significant poor weight gain, distorted gross anatomy, and cytoarchitecture of the testes, low sperm quality, redox imbalance, and inflammation of the ipsilateral and contralateral testes. This was accompanied by reduced circulatory testosterone, a decline in testicular lactate metabolism and transport, upregulation of xanthine oxidase/uric acid signaling, and increased testicular DNA fragmentation. Administration of Ω-3 attenuated T/D-induced damage to the testes and sperm cells with a significant rise in the level of serum testosterone. Enhancement of lactate transport and down-regulation of xanthine oxidase/uric acid signaling by Ω-3 may be beneficial in protecting against T/D-related oxido-inflammatory damage and male infertility.

Oxidative stress, an alteration in the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and antioxidant buffering capacity, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disorders (CMD). At physiological levels, ROS functions as signalling mediators, regulates various physiological functions such as the growth, proliferation, and migration endothelial cells (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC); formation and development of new blood vessels; EC and SMC regulated death; vascular tone; host defence; and genomic stability. However, at excessive levels, it causes a deviation in the redox state, mediates the development of CMD. Multiple mechanisms account for the rise in the production of free radicals in the heart. These include mitochondrial dysfunction and uncoupling, increased fatty acid oxidation, exaggerated activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX), reduced antioxidant capacity, and cardiac metabolic memory. The purpose of this study is to discuss the link between oxidative stress and the aetiopathogenesis of CMD and highlight associated mechanisms. Oxidative stress plays a vital role in the development of obesity and dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance and diabetes, hypertension via various mechanisms associated with ROS-led inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction.

Aims Codeine treatment has been shown to be associated with glucolipid deregulation, though data reporting this are inconsistent and the mechanisms are not well understood. Perturbation of glutathione-dependent antioxidant defense and adenosine deaminase (ADA)/xanthine oxidase (XO) signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disorders. We thus, hypothesized that depletion of glutathione contents and upregulation of ADA/XO are involved in codeine-induced glucolipid deregulation. The present study also investigated whether or not codeine administration would induce genotoxicity and apoptosis in cardiac and renal tissues. Materials and methods Male New Zealand rabbits received per os distilled water or codeine, either in low dose (4 mg/kg) or high dose (10 mg/kg) for 6 weeks. Key findings Codeine treatment led to reduced absolute and relative cardiac and renal mass independent of body weight change, increased blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), as well as increased atherogenic indices and triglyceride-glucose index (TyG). Codeine administration significantly increased markers of cardiac and renal injury, as well as impaired cardiorenal functions. Codeine treatment also resulted in increased cardiac and renal malondialdehyde, Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGE) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), and myeloperoxidase (MPO), ADA, XO, and caspase 3 activities. These observations were accompanied by impaired activities of cardiac and renal proton pumps. Significance Findings of this study demonstrate that upregulation of ADA/XO and caspase 3 signaling are, at least partly, contributory to the glucolipid deregulation and cardiorenal injury induced by codeine.

Sexual activity is an essential part of reproductive functions and needed for the maintenance of fertility. Drugs, particularly substances of abuse, impair male reproductive function either by interrupting hormonal functions or through the nonhormonal pathways. This study evaluated the impact of Rohypnol use in sexual behaviour. Materials and methods: Thirty adult male Wistar rats of comparable weights (180-200 g) were randomly allocated into three groups, the control and low-dose and high-dose Rohypnol-treated groups. The control group received 0.5 ml of distilled water, while the low- and high-dose Rohypnol-treated groups received 2 mg/kg b.w and 4 mg/kg b.w of Rohypnol via oral lavage once daily for 28 days. Rohypnol significantly increased mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency and post-ejaculatory interval, as well as lowered mount frequency, intromission frequency and ejaculation frequency. Rohypnol-induced sexual dysfunction was found to be associated with significant suppression of circulatory follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, testosterone and oestrogen. The present study reveals that Rohypnol induces sexual dysfunction through suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. It also implicates Rohypnol as a potential candidate for drug-induced infertility.

Male factor accounts for about 30-50% of infertility. A common cause of male infertility is drug abuse; either illicit or prolonged use of prescribed drugs. This study provides a review of the physiology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and recent literature on drugs that have been linked to male infertility and the associated mechanisms. Relevant peer-reviewed papers were assessed online using PubMed/PubMed Central, Scopus, AJOL, Google Scholar and DOAJ databases using Medical Subjects Headings (MeSH) indexes and relevant key word searches. Although drugs are beneficial when used at therapeutic levels, the abuse leads to impairment of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal functions, increased sperm DNA fragmentation and apoptosis, and reduced sperm quality. A good knowledge of the physiology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the influence of drugs on male fertility will guide healthcare providers in managing cases of infertility.

BackgroundCodeine, a 3-methylmorphine, and other related opioids have been implicated in androgen suppression, although the associated mechanisms remain unclear.AimTherefore, the objective of the current study was to elucidate the in vivo molecular mechanisms underlying codeine-induced androgen suppression.MethodsThis study made use of twenty-one healthy male rabbits, distributed into three groups randomly, control and codeine-treated groups. The control had 1ml of normal saline daily p.o. The codeine-treated groups received either 4mg/kg b.w of codeine or 10mg/kg b.w of codeine p.o. for six weeks. Reproductive hormonal profile, testicular weight, testicular enzymes, oxidative and inflammatory parameters, testicular DNA fragmentation, histological examination and apoptosis marker were evaluated to examine the effects of codeine use.Key findingsOral administration of codeine resulted in testicular atrophy and alterations in testicular histomorphology, elevated testicular enzymes, and suppression of circulatory and intra-testicular testosterone. These changes were associated with a marked rise in oxidative markers and decline in the activities of testicular enzymatic antioxidants, as well as oxidative DNA damage, inflammatory response, testicular DNA fragmentation, and caspase-dependent apoptosis (pSignificanceIn conclusion, chronic codeine use resulted in testicular degeneration and testosterone suppression, which is attributable to TNF-α/nitric oxide-/oxidative stress-mediated caspase-dependent apoptotic testicular cell death and loss of testicular function.

Stimulation and generation of T and B cell-mediated long-term immune response are essential for the curbing of a deadly virus such as SAR-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Corona Virus 2). Immunoinformatics approach in vaccine design takes advantage of antigenic and non-allergenic epitopes present on the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 to elicit immune responses. T cells and B cells epitopes were predicted, and the selected residues were subjected to allergenicity, antigenicity and toxicity screening which were linked by appropriate linkers to form a multi-epitope subunit vaccine. The physiochemical properties of the vaccine construct were analyzed, and the molecular weight, molecular formula, theoretical isoelectric point value, half-life, solubility score, instability index, aliphatic index and GRAVY were predicted. The vaccine structure was constructed, refined, validated, and disulfide engineered to get the best model. Molecular binding simulation and molecular dynamics simulation were carried out to predict the stability and binding affinity of the vaccine construct with TLRs. Codon acclimatization and in silico cloning were performed to confirm the vaccine expression and potency. Results obtained indicated that this novel vaccine candidate is non-toxic, capable of initiating the immunogenic response and will not induce an allergic reaction. The highest binding energy was observed in TLR4 (Toll-like Receptor 4) (−1398.1), and the least is TLR 2 (−1479.6). The steady rise in Th (T-helper) cell population with memory development was noticed, and IFN-g (Interferon gamma) was provoked after simulation. At this point, the vaccine candidate awaits animal trial to validate its efficacy and safety for use in the prevention of the novel COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) infections.

Background: About half of the cases of infertility in couples have been attributed to male factor. Despite the claim in folklore medicine that trona (a sesquicarbonate or hydrated carbonate of sodium) causes fetal loss, its effect on male reproductive function has not been investigated. Aim: This study sought to provide scientific evidence on the effect of trona on sperm characteristics, male reproductive hormones and organs, and lipid peroxidation. Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats of comparable weights were used for the study. Rats were randomized into four different groups. The control received 1 mL of distilled water orally, whereas those in groups 1, 2, and 3 (test groups) received orally, same volume of trona preparation corresponding to 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 28 days. Body weight was monitored throughout the study period, and at the end of the experiment, testicular morphometry, sperm characteristic, reproductive hormones, and malondialdehyde (MDA), an index of lipid peroxidation, were determined. Results: Sperm count, motility, progressibility, and percentage of normal sperm were significantly decreased in the trona-treated rats (P < 0.05). The percentage of abnormal sperm, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and MDA were significantly increased in the treated rats (P < 0.05). Body weight, testicular morphometry, and testosterone level were comparable across all groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The study showed that trona has a dose-dependent deleterious effect on sperm characteristic. The antispermatogenic effect of trona was associated with lipid peroxidation but not testosterone.

This article discussed the public health urgency for funding during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usage has contributed to the increase in morbidity and mortality rate in the population with peptic ulcer disease and has led to the search of other means of treatment especially using dietary substances as preventive measures. Our study, therefore, investigated the effect of Cucumis melo aqueous extract on the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer and the role of the cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) in angiogenic response in male Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats (130 ± 20 g) were divided into six groups (n = 5), viz Group I (control), II (ulcer untreated), and III-VI (ulcer and treated with 25, 50, 75 and 100% C. melo aqueous extract for two weeks). Animals were examined for gastric acid secretion by titrimetric method, and the ulcer was measured. Histological analysis and immunohistochemistry staining for expression of CD31 were carried out. Total gastric acidity was significantly decreased in the groups IV-VI (2.10 ± 0.18–1.03 ± 0.08 mEq/L compared to groups II (3.65 ± 0.15 mEq/L) and III (2.95 ± 0.27 mEq/L), p < 0.05. However, no significant difference in total gastric acidity in groups IV-VI compared to group I (1.04 ± 1.03 mEq/L) was observed. The ulcer score was significantly decreased in the groups IV-VI compared to groups II and III, and the incidence of ulcer was inhibited by 8.62, 47.59, 54.01, and 73.06% in groups III, IV, V and VI, respectively. Histological assessment revealed a moderate to mild ulceration in the gastric mucosa with few numbers of inflammatory cells in all groups pre-treated with C. melo extract. Immunohistochemical localisation of CD31 nuclei in the gastric mucosa cells was significantly decreased in the group II with an expression of 6.0% compared to group I (17.0%) and all the pre-treated groups with the extract (14.0–29.7%). In conclusion, antisecretory properties of C. melo extract at different concentrations were responsible for its anti-ulcer activity and accelerated healing of gastric ulcer via angiogenic activities.

Talinium triangulare have been proven to offer promising antiulcer properties which could validate its’folkoric use for the treatment of gastric ulcer in various part of Nigeria. This study investigates the role of methanolic extract of Talinium triangulare (METT) in gastric ulcer healing and the possible mechanisms involved. Twenty-eight male wistar rats (160-180gm, n=7) were grouped into; A-control, B-ulcerated untreated, C-ulcerated treated with Omeprazole (20 mg/kg b.w.) and D-ulcerated treated with METT (100 mg/kg b.w.). Gastric ulcer was induced by injecting 0.2 MLs of 40% acetic acid into the glandular part of the stomach for 45 seconds after which it was withdrawn, and the stomach surface cleaned with normal saline. Stomach samples were collected by day 14 post ulceration and assessed for ulcer score; a section of it was fixed for histological evaluation and immunohistochemical (Avidin-Biotin Immunoperoxidase method) analysis. Stomach tissue homogenates were used for enzymatic activities. Results were subjected to statistical analysis using analysis of variance method. There was a significant reduction in the ulcer area of the METT treated group compared with other ulcerated treated and untreated groups. Malondialdehyde concentration of the gastric tissue homogenate was significantly lower in METT treated group compared to other groups. The METT treated group significantly increased the level of superoxide dismutase and catalase compared to other test groups. Histological study showed that only METT treated rats produces predominantly normal mucosa, METT treated rats also expressed CD31 (a marker of angiogenesis) and EGFR (a marker of proliferation) more than the other rats, while the expressions of Ki67 (proliferation) and p53 (Apoptosis) by METT group were not different from other groups. Methanolic extracts of Talinum triangulare accelerated the healing of gastric ulcers in rats probably through reduced oxidative stress, increased cell proliferation, and angiogenesis.

Background In the pharmaceutical sectors, the computer plays a crucial role as a commander of all the theoretical aspects and provides a workbench to improve the overall quality of pharmaceutical research and development. The aim of this article is to provide a computational approach to the development of numerous technology of computer software in the field of clinical pharmacokinetics. The computational technique practised by clinical pharmacist and scientist with the applied knowledge and skills in dealing with clinical pharmacokinetics problems can be applied in routine clinical practices. Methods To solve the various complicated pharmacokinetic equations and modeling of pharmacokinetic processes, various software were used like Population pharmacokinetics, Individual pharmacokinetics, Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) pharmacokinetics, in - silico pharmacokinetics like Window-Based Non-linear model fitting (WinNonlin), Statistical Analysis Software (SAS), Non-linear Mixed Effects Modelling (NONMEM), PK Solution etc. Results: Various software's which was described in this paper help in the development of experimental study designs, statistical treatment of data and various simulation studies, etc. A robust software solution should be easy to use and address the three main parts of the PK-PD workflow like data management, analysis, and reporting. PK-PD software's allow researchers to predict ADME properties of new drug entity. For the study of the pharmacokinetic, the best software is WINBUGS where there is no limitation of dimensional array and size of the problem. The best software to be used for individual pharmacokinetics is T.D.M.S in which, we can apply Bayesian and least square method for curve fitting and it can be used for both linear and non-linear pharmacokinetic data. Conclusion Various software were discussed here. This software not only help in knowing the history of the software but also help in gaining more knowledge about pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics simulation. Different software such as population pharmacokinetic, individual pharmacokinetic and others discussed in this article will help in the reporting and analyzing of data. The important points to be considered while selecting the software is also discussed which will help in easy accessing of software.

Background There is a claim in folklore medicine in Nigeria that trona (a sesquicarbonate or hydrated carbonate of sodium) causes fetal loss. However, this has not been substantiated or refuted by any scientific evidence. Aim This study evaluates whether or not trona causes fetal loss in pregnant female Wistar rats. Methods Pregnant Wistar rats of comparable weights were randomized into three groups. Group A (control) was given a single dose of 1.25 mL/kg body weight of lime while groups B and C were given 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight of trona, respectively. Results There was no significant difference in the body weight gained across all the groups. The dose of 250 mg/kg body weight of trona decreased the number of live fetus, while 500 mg/kg body weight produced no live fetus; 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight of trona led to fetal loss rate of 83.33% and 100%, respectively. Trona also reduced the concentrations of serum progesterone and cholesterol, and increased serum oestradiol. Conclusion This study revealed that trona causes fetal loss. This is possibly via an oestrogen-dependent mechanism, and attributed to the chemical constituents of trona.

Background : The use of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta extract in medicare has gained attention since its discovery. Aim : This study sought to evaluate the haematological effect of ethanolic extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta stem in rat model. Materials and Methods : Control rats received 0.5ml of distilled water. Treated rats were administered oral doses of the extract at different concentrations (50, 150, and 250mg/kg body weight). All rats were maintained on a control diet. Treatment lasted for 21 days. Results : Red blood cells and haematological parameters were comparable in all groups. Similarly, total white blood cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes counts were not ignificantly altered except in rats treated with 250mg/kg/bw of the extract. However, administration of the extract led to a dose-dependent rise in platelet counts. Conclusion : This study showed that C. sanguinolenta stem ethanolic extract presents haematological challenges on white blood cells and platelets. It showed localized systemic toxicity by selectively stimulating the bone marrow. Keywords : Cryptolepis sanguinolenta , red blood cell, white blood cell, platelet, toxicity

Background : Cryptolepis sanguinolenta has been reported to have antimalarial and antidiabetic effects. Aim : The gastric secretagogue action of ethanolic extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta stem was studied in rat model to evaluate its possible role in gastric acid secretion. Food intake and weight gain were also observed. Materials and Methods : The animals used were divided into four groups. The control received 2 ml of distilled water, while treated groups received 50, 150, and 250 mg/kgbw of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta extract per oral respectively daily for 21 days. Results : Cryptolepis sanguinolenta caused dose-dependent increase in gastric acid secretion. This secretagogue effect was augmented by histamine. Cryptolepis sanguinolenta also significantly increased food intake, body weight gain, and the sizes and number of gastric parietal cells. Conclusion : The results suggest that Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is ulcerogenic, and the gastric secretagogue action is histamine-mediated. This effect could be attributed to the presence of cryptolepine, the major bioactive agent, and other alkaloids present in the botanical. Keywords : Cryptolepis sanguinolenta , body weight, food intake, gastric acid, ulcer

Background: Complementary medicine has grown over time with more botanicals emerging and remaining integral parts of medicare. Such botanicals include Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. AIM: This study investigated the effect of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta leaf ethanolic extract on male reproductive system using rat model. Materials and Methods: Control and treated rats were maintained on control diet. Treated rats also received graded doses of the extract. RESULTS: When compared with the controls, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta treatment led to significant testosterone suppression associated with consequent significant rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) and decrease in sperm count. Treatment with Cryptolepis sanguinolenta did not result in significant attenuation of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and testicular morphometry. Sperm viability, motility, and morphology were also comparable in all groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that Cryptolepis sanguinolenta possesses anti-androgenic and anti-spermatogenic properties with potential anti-aphrodisiac activity.

Objective: Nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PgE2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are fundamental regulators of epithelial restitution and angiogenesis. They play important roles in ulcer healing. Insights into their possible changes during gastric ulcer healing putting age into consideration could give a guide to the proper management of ulcers in the aging population. This study, therefore, examined alterations in the concentrations of PgE2, NO, and VEGF in the gastric mucosa of rats of different ages after induction of ulcer and during healing.Methods: Male Wister rats (aged 3, 6, and 18 months old) were divided into three groups according to their ages. The ulcer was induced using the acetic acid ulcer model. Healing indices studied on days 3, 7, and 14 were the macroscopic dimension of ulcer, stomach tissue concentration of PgE2, NO, and VEGF, with the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF.Results: Outcome of this study showed 100%, 88.36%, and 62.30% area of mucosa healed in 3-, 6-, and 18-month-old rats respectively, on day 14 post-induction of ulcer. PgE2, NO, and VEGF concentrations were inversely proportional to age during healing. Immunohistochemical staining showed that younger rat (3 and 6 months old) had higher expression of VEGF throughout the healing period.Conclusion: It was therefore concluded that the slower rate of healing in older rats could be due to reduced gastroprotection, epithelial restitution, and angiogenesis as age increases.

BACKGROUND It has been established that thyroid dysfunction causes impairment of reproductive function. However, laboratory and human studies that associated this with female reproductive hormones are conflicting and data reporting the effects of thyroid dysfunction on reproductive organs are insufficient. AIM This study investigated the effect of experimental hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism on hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and reproductive organs morphometry and histology in female rats. METHODS Laboratory animals were randomized into one of the three groups: control, carbimazole-induced hypothyroidism and levothyroxine-induced hyperthyroidism. RESULTS Organ morphometry and serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were statistically comparable across all groups. Serum progesterone increased in hypothyroid rats but was reduced in hyperthyroid rats when compared with the control (p < 0.05). Body weight gain, serum luteinizing hormone and oestradiol were significantly reduced in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid states when compared to the control. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism also led to alterations in organ cytoarchitecture. CONCLUSION Findings from this study suggest that impairment of reproductive function associated with thyroid dysfunction is attendant with derangement of hormonal milieu and alteration in reproductive organs cytoarchitecture. Luteinizing hormone and oestradiol are implicated.

Objective: The thyroid gland is essential for metabolism and normal function of body cells, including the liver cells. It helps in the development and maturation of the hepatocytes and other body cells and tissues. This study investigated the effect of altered thyroid state on liver function. Materials and Methods: Rats were randomized into three groups: control, hypothyroid, and hyperthyroid rats. Results: Thyroid dysfunction led to lysis of the hepatocytes. Hypothyroidism caused significant (P < 0.05) reduction of body weight gain, serum total protein, albumin, direct bilirubin, transaminases, and gamma glutamyl transferase. Hyperthyroidism led to significant (P < 0.05) body weight loss. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were associated with significant (P < 0.05) increase in liver weight and diameter. Conclusion: This study reveals that although hyperthyroid state is not associated with altered liver function, hypothyroidism caused hepatic dysfunction. We therefore suggest that liver function indices should be monitored in altered thyroid states, especially in hypothyroidism.

Objective: Extracts from various morphological parts of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta are widely used traditionally in folklore medicine in many parts of the world for the management, control, and/or treatment of a plethora of human ailments, including diabetes mellitus. In order to scientifically appraise some of the ethnomedical uses of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, the present study was undertaken to investigate its influence at varying doses on intestinal glucose absorption and transport in relation to its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in rat experimental paradigms. Materials and Methods: The animals used were divided into four groups. Control animals received 2 ml of distilled water, while treated groups received 50, 150, and 250 mg/kg bw of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta extract per oral respectively daily for 21 days. Results: Cryptolepis sanguinolenta led to a significant decrease in glucose transport and absorption. It also caused significant reductions in plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol. Biochemical changes observed were suggestive of dose dependence. Histopathological studies also showed increased sizes of β cells of the pancreas. Conclusion: The findings in these normoglycemic laboratory animals suggest that Cryptolepis sanguinolenta has hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities, possibly by reducing glucose absorption and transport, and enhancing the structural and functional abilities of the β cells. This is the first study to report the effect of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta on intestinal glucose absorption. This effect could be attributed to its major bioactive principle, cryptolepine, an indoloquinoline alkaloid. This study thus lends credence to the use of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta in the management of diabetes mellitus.