Background: Varicose veins (VVs) are a major chronic venous disease, yet the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This disorder is characterized by progressive architectural remodeling of the vessel wall. Recent studies have focused on the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the pathogenesis of VVs. Aim of Study: The present study was assigned to demonstrate the morphologic and morphometric changes in the wall of VVs and to correlate these changes with the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9. Material and Methods: A total number of 18 human long saphenous vein samples (8 normal and 10 VVs) were included in the study. The specimens were processed and examined histologically using hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome and orcein, together with immunohistochemistry for alpha smooth muscle actin (Éø-SMA). The mRNA expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9 was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Quantitative morphometric measurements were carried out by the image analyzer. Results: The wall of VVs showed damaged endothelial surface, interrupted internal elastic lamina and numerous vasa vasora. There was significant increase in intima and media thickness compared to normal veins. Significant increase in the mean collagen area percent and decrease in elastin area percent was also observed. The mean area percent of Éø-SMA immunostaining and count of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) showed significant increase, indicating SMCs hypertrophy and hyperplasia, while the optical density of Éø-SMA immunostaining decreased. These changes were associated with significant increase in mRNA expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9. Conclusion: Varicose veins showed marked disorganization in all components of the vessel wall (collagen, elastin and SMCs). The associated increase in mRNA expression of MMPs might be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying vascular remodeling.

Background: Foodborne illness due to the genus Salmonella is one of the major challenges affecting public health worldwide and a threat to socioeconomic activities especially in the developing countries. The present study was carried out to determine the isolation rate and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Salmonella species from ruminants slaughtered for human consumption at the two major abattoirs in Ilorin, Kwara State. Methods: Between November, 2019 and February, 2020, a total 500 samples were collected from the two major abattoirs in Ilorin metropolis (cattle, n = 240; goat, n = 260). Salmonella species were isolated and identified using standard bacteriological techniques. The isolates were subjected antimicrobial susceptibility test using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion assay. Results: 20 (4 %) Salmonella isolates were obtained, there was no significant statistical difference between the isolation rates from cattle (3.75 %) and the small ruminant (4.23 %). Varying degree of resistance patterns were obtained with high proportion of the isolates (> 60 %) displaying resistance to penicillin and cephalosporin tested while low resistant phenotypes (5 %) were observed against quinolones. The isolates were pan-susceptible to gentamicin. Conclusion:The study documented multidrug resistant Salmonella isolates from ruminants slaughtered for human consumption. It is recommended that further studies to characterize the isolates will assist in recommending the appropriate control strategies to prevent the transmission of resistant Salmonella strains to human via food chain.

Background: Energy drinks (EDs) consumption has increased dramatically over the past years and several adverse effects have been reported. Sesame oil (SO) is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory dietary source for human health. Aim of Study: The present study was assigned to investigate the possible neuroptotecive role of SO on energy drinksinduced hippocampal damage. Material and Methods: Twenty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups; five rats in each (control, SO, EDs and EDs+SO). Routine histological examination was done, together with toluidine blue stain for dark neurons (DN) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunostaining for astrocytes. Gene expression of catalase and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histomorphometric analysis was done. Results: Histological examination of the hippocampus from EDs group showed shrunken pyramidal and granule cells, vacuolation and large pericellular spaces. There was significant decrease in neuronal thickness, increase in the number of DN and GFAP area percent compared to control group. Significant decrease in catalase gene expression was observed along with increase in TNF-a gene expression. Concomitant SO administration significantly improved the previously mentioned changes. Conclusion: Energy drinks administration induced morphological and morphometric changes, deficient antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response in rat hippocampus. Sesame oil administration alleviated these adverse changes possibly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.