Despite its nutritional content and huge application in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, the use of anthocyanin remains restricted due to the difficulty in its extraction process. In this study, we examined the antioxidant effects of anthocyanin (one of the numerous flavonoids known in modern enthno-medicinal practice) on some serum free radicals in wistar rats. Twenty (20) adult wistar rats of between 100 – 250 g were procured and housed in the animal house of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. After two (2) weeks of acclimatization, the animals were then grouped into five groups of four (4) rats each (n=4). Control (Group I) rats were fed normal rat chow and water ad libitum, whereas, group II rats received 100 mg/kg body weight (bw.) of anthocyanin extract. Groups III, IV and V rats also received 200 mg/kg bw., 300 mg/kg bw., and 400 mg/kg bw of anthocyanin extract respectively for a period of four weeks, using the oro-gastric cannula post prandial. For each week, body weights were obtained, and serum assayed for changes in the levels of anti-oxidant enzyme activities [Catalase (CAT), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide Dismutase (SOD)] using appropriate biochemical procedures. Obtained results were subjected to statistical comparisons using the one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Tukey post hoc tests were also performed (where necessary) to ascertain the source(s) of mean differences between groups. We found a statistically significant decrease (at p < 0.05) by week in serum CAT, MDA, GPx and SOD levels with the administration of test substance. This also proved to be dose-dependent as increasing dose cause an increase in the enzyme activities over the period of administration. Body weight changes were also duration and dose dependent. Anthocyanin therefore showed potency in improving serum antioxidant enzyme activities. We recommend similar studies on other body tissues than blood.

Leucocytosis, marked increase in the number of white blood cells (WBC) is a known physiological response to trauma. In recent times, several studies have asserted the absence of this response in Africans. In view of this, current study investigated the existence of, and prognostic implications of post-traumatic leucocytosis amongst adult Nigerians with acute musculoskeletal (MSK) trauma. Two hundred and twenty three (223) adult male and females (MSK traumatized) and fifty apparently healthy volunteers (adults) were ethically recruited from the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, regional centre for trauma, orthopaedic, burns and plastic surgery in south-east Nigeria. Using the Leishman’s stained blood smear technique, leucocyte profiles [Neutrophil, Lymphocytes, Basophils, Eosinophils and Monocyte counts] were obtained for each participant. In all case, Age, Gender and duration of hospitalization were also obtained. Following careful analysis, study found, using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), a statistically significant increase (p < .05) in acutely traumatized subjects; with adults of ages 20 to 49 years constituting the majority (70%). A statistically significant lymphopenia was also observed in test population, with Pearson Product Moment Correlation proving positive for higher levels of WBC counts. A negative correlation was also seen for Neutrophils and lymphocyte counts, implicating the Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Stress Factor (NLSF). We recommend the exploration of the NLSF for prognosis of Leucocytosis in Africans.

For decades now, anthropometric and cardiovascular changes are proven reliable indicators of maternal and child health during pregnancy. In this study, we ascertained the relationship between selected anthropometric [Weight, Height, Body Mass Index (BMI), Head Circumference, Waist Circumference, Hip Circumference and Waist-Hip Ratios] and cardiovascular [Systolic, Diastolic and Mean Arterial Blood Pressures (SBP, DBP and MAP), Pulse Rate (PR)] health indicators for pregnant mothers at different trimesters. Seventy-five (75) pregnant women who registered with the antenatal unit of the central hospital, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria were ethically recruited for the study. The women were then grouped into three (3) of twenty-five (25) subjects each. Grouping was based on their gestational age (Group A = within the First Trimester, Group B = within the Second Trimester, and Group C = within the Third Trimester of pregnancy), and each subject were weekly assessed for the above cardiovascular and anthropometric variables. Using the student t-test, we observed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in anthropometric variables across groups as gestational age increased. This was however different for Height, BMI and Head Circumference. In addition, a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) was returned for all cardiovascular parameters as pregnancy age increased per week. However, Pearson Product moment correlation coefficient returned no significant relationship between anthropometric and cardiovascular health indicators across groups with recourse to pregnancy age. More studies that corroborate the results from current 2020 September Edition |www.jbino.com |Innovative Association

As adverse effects and health implications of human exposures to petroleum products (crude oil) remains an issue of public concern, interests on the different adverse effects on various body system has grown in recent years. Current study investigated the duration and age dependent effect of exposure of the cardiovascular system (CVS) to gas flaring and crude oil contamination in selected communities of Delta State, southern Nigeria. Two Hundred and Forty (240) subjects, who were exposed to gas flaring and crude oil contamination were ethically recruited from Agbarho [Ughelli North Local government Area (LGA)] and Bomadi (Bomadi LGA) in Delta State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty (120) non-exposed individuals were also recruited (control) from Abraka, a non-gas flaring community in Ethiope East LGA of the same state. Thereafter, subjects were matched by gender, age, and duration of stay (exposure) to gas flaring and oil contamination in selected towns. In any case, cardiovascular parameters [systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP)] were measured, while obtaining their pulse and mean arterial pressures (PP and MAP respectively) from measured variables. After statistical analysis (using the student t-test), study observed (at p < .05) a statistically significant increase in SBP and MAP for subjects above 10 years and 6 – 10 years of gas flaring exposure (Experimental groups) compared to those who had been exposed for just 1 – 5 years (Control). Study also observed a statistically significant increase in SBP and DBP (of females) for crude contamination exposed subjects for ages greater than 5 years compared to control. A duration-dependent exposure of subjects to increased SBP and DBP, following exposure to gas flaring and crude oil contamination was thus established. Apparently, exposed males showed an increase in average values of PP, MAP, SBP and DBP than the female counterparts. Study therefore ascertained findings from previous studies relating to cardiovascular changes on gas flaring and crude oil exposed humans; confirming gas flaring and oil contamination as potent elicitors of hypertension. Thus, environmental pollutants may act as markers for the screening and identification of CVS high-risk population, prior to actual diagnosis, intervention and prognosis of hypertension. We recommend periodic epidemiological assessment of environmental pollutants as a factor for indexing municipal risk of hypertensive individuals.

In the human nervous system, available studies assert; that the Neuroglia cells (special neurons in the brain) may provide structural support and/or regenerative tendencies (gliosis) to damages within the circuitry. This study conducted to investigate the activity of Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract on the regenerative functions of the cerebellum of lead II acetate exposed wistar rats. A total of twenty five (25) Wistar rats were divided into five (5) groups of five (5) rats each. With Group one (1) receiving standard rat diet and water only (control group), Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively got 252.98 mg/kg/day of aqueous O. gratissimum leaves extract for 35 days, 180 mg/kg of lead II acetate for 21 days, 180 mg/kg of lead II acetate for 21 days with continued treatment of 126.49 mg/kg of O. gratissimum leaf extract for 35 days, and 180 mg/kg of lead II acetate with continued treatment of 252.98 mg/kg of O. gratissimum leaf extract for 21 days. Rats were then euthanized Aigbiremolen et al.; INDJ, 12(2): 1-10, 2018; Article no.INDJ.46550 2 (after treatment period), with blood samples obtained and assayed for biochemical changes. Histological and stereological examinations were also conducted for cerebella tissue. Upon comparison with control (group I), one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) returned a significantly high GSH value for group one rats as compared to other groups. Even though huge degeneration was seen for group III rats, Cerebella Malonaldehyde, Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione and Catalase levels, were relatively low across groups IV and V as against the control. Histological section through group I rats showed cerebella purkinje layer appearing deeply basophilic, with a characteristically condensed Nissl granule, thus describing a normal architecture of the cerebellar cortex. Pyramidal and granular axonic and dendritic cells were also seen to have embedded neuropils within group II rats. Conclusively, Study has shown that O. gratissimum extract consumption may be potent for low to minimal anti-oxidant effect, and regenerative tendencies (gliosis) on the cerebellum. More sophisticated but similar studies are recommended for other areas of the brain. Original Research Article