Journal of Experimental and Clinical Anatomy

Energy drink (Fearless) effect on sperm parameters and testicular histology of Wistar rats

A.A. Nwakanma, C.A. Idaguko, S.R. Okafor, F.O. Amanjide — Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In Nigeria, commercial energy drinks like Fearless are the most widely consumed. Nevertheless, there is currently no evidence linking the effects of Fearless energy drinks on seminal parameter. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of energy drinks like Fearless on the testis.

METHODOLOGY: Twenty adult male Wistar rats weighing averagely 140-160g were divided into four groups of five rats each. Group A was the control and received 5ml/kg of distilled water. For three weeks, the following doses of the Fearless energy drink was given to groups B, C, and D via oral gavage: 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mL/kg/day, respectively. After treatment, the animals' were sacrificed and their testis were weighed. The sperm parameters (motility, count) were evaluated, and the testis were processed for histological studies.

RESULTS: Results showed that there was a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the sperm count and motility in the ED (Fearless) groups (Group B 619±65.76 and 69.5±2.5, Group C 602±70.01 and 62.0±10.00, Group D 514±26.5 and 55.0±.6.19) respectively when compared to group A (662±10.01 and 92.5±2.5). There was an increase in the body weight in the treated groups, but no difference was observed with respect to relative weights of the testis. Groups B and C showed moderate effect on the testicular tissue with moderate spermatogenic arrest. Group D, exhibited scattered appearance of seminiferous tubules with loss of spermatogenic germ cells, marked degeneration of interstitial cells and congested thick vessels in the interstitial tissue.

CONCLUSION: Fearless energy drink induced dose dependent negative changes on sperm quality and morphology of the testis .of Wistar rats

Characterizing sex using anthropometric variables of the human hip bone remains from museum collections in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

R. Jaji-Sulaimon, V.N. Martins, O.T. Olutunde, N.O. Bali — Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Sex estimation is an important step for identification and construction of biological profile of skeletal remains which leads to identification in forensics. The hip bone is the one of the most frequently used bones in sex estimation. In this study, we examined human hip bones sourced from the museum collection of the Department of Anatomy at the University of Ilorin to assess their suitability for determining sex in skeletal remains.

METHODOLOGY: Eighty-nine (89) hip bones were collected, analyzed and classified as either male or female based on morphology, total pelvic height, iliac width, pubic length, spinosciatic length, acetabular diameter, vertical acetabular diameter, ischiopubic length, ilium length, ischial length, ischiopubic and coxal indices. The purposive sampling method was employed in this study, in which bones meeting the inclusion criteria were selected.

RESULTS: Results after statistical analysis indicated that pubic length, acetabular diameter, ischial length, and Ischiopubic index showed statistically significant differences, all of which were significantly higher in males compared to females (p<0.05). However, when comparing between males and females using pelvic height, iliac width, spinosciatic length, vertical acetabular diameter, ischiopubic length, ilium length, and coxal index did not show statistical significance with values (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, it can be said that the hip bone is a standard, ideal and useful bone in sex estimation. The variability in hip bone for estimation based on race, nationality or ethnicity in Nigeria and relationship between age and pevimetry for both sexes should be given attention and further investigated.

Investigating the effects of aqueous Zingiber officinale rhizome extract on CCL₄-induced liver alterations in Wistar rats

O.I. Momodu, O.U. Idemudia — Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The medicinal value of plants has long been recognized with numerous drugs derived from them proving essential in disease treatment. Accordingly, this study investigated the effects of aqueous Zingiber officinale rhizome extract (AZOR) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver alterations in Wistar rats.

METHODOLOGY: Twenty adult Wistar rats were assigned into a control Group (A) and three treatment Groups (B-D) containing five rats each. Rats in group B received 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) of AZOR; Rats in treatment groups C and D were administered with an intraperitoneal injection of 1 ml/ kg BW of 30% CCl₄/olive oil mixture every 72 h for 14 days, however, rats in Group C were treated daily with 200 mg/kg BW of AZOR. Thereafter, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected to assay for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Malondialdehyde (MDA). Histological analyses were conducted to assess the effects of these treatments.

RESULTS: Findings revealed a significant increase in AST, ALT, ALP, TB, and MDA as well as a significant decrease in SOD, CAT and GPx in the group treated with CCl₄ alone, indicative of liver damage. Histological findings showed severe steatosis in the group treated with CCl₄ alone. However, treatment with AZOR attenuated these adverse effects, suggesting a protective effect of the extract against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity.

CONCLUSION: Taken together, the hepatoprotective potential of AZOR against CCl₄ could be attributed to the antioxidant properties of the plant.

Histomorphological and biochemical analyses following adminstration of methanol leaf extract of Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) on the cerebellum of Wistar rats

Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND: The cerebellum, an essential brain region, coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and posture. While both beneficial and toxic effects of tobacco on various bodily systems have been reported, there's limited data on its neurotoxic effect on the cerebellum and motor functions.

AIM: This study aimed to histomorphologically and biochemically assess the effects of methanol leaf extract of Nicotiana tabacum (MLNT) on the brain and cerebellum of Wistar rats.

METHODOLOGY: Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (A-D) of five animals each, with A as control (Tween 80/Oil; 1:4) and B-D receiving MLNT at 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg, respectively, for four weeks with concurrent measurement of body weight.

RESULTS: Significant percentage weight changes were observed in all treatment groups compared to controls. Histological analysis revealed neurodegeneration in the cerebellar histoarchitecture of MLNT-treated groups compared with controls. Although no significant difference was observed in glutathione (GSH) levels, a significant increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was observed at 200 mg/kg MLNT dosage compared to control (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study indicates that methanolic leaf extract of Nicotiana tabacum induces neurotoxicity in Wistar rat cerebellum, potentially via heightened oxidative stress, particularly at 200 mg/kg dosage.

Effect of Bitter Extra on selected haematological parameters of adult male Wistar rats

Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND: Bitter Extra is a brand of herbal product adjudged to be efficacious in the treatment of various ailments.

AIM: This present study was aimed at investigating the effect of Bitter Extra on some hematological parameters of adult male Wistar Rats.

METHODOLOGY: Sixteen adult male Wistar Rats of weights ranging from 155g-230g were used and divided into four groups with four rats in each group. Group 1 served as the control and was given standard diet and water ad libitum while groups 2, 3 and 4 were taken as the test groups and administered with varying doses of Bitter Extra.

RESULTS: Among all the groups, there were no significant changes (P>0.05) in the mean body weights of the rats in the test groups compared with the control group which indicates that Bitter Extra has no effect on body weight. However, in the haematological parameters, the increased changes observed among the groups in Mean Cell Volume were significant (P<0.05). Also, the Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin was significantly high (P<0.05) among all the groups when compared with the control group. The Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration shows no significant difference in all the test groups when compared with the control group (P>0.05). At higher dose, Bitter Extra causes significant increase in White Blood Cell count, an indication of inflammatory property. Also, it causes insufficient production of RBCs at high dose resulting to iron deficiency hypochromic microcytic anemia.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Bitter Extra is potentially harmful especially with repeated usage, necessitating the need to avoid indiscriminate use.

Photogrammetric study of facial dimensions among adults resident in Cross River State, Nigeria

C.A. Ogan, J.O. Ikpa, S.O. Okori, A.A. Waseni, A.O. Igiri — Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

AIM: The current study used photogrammetry to measure the facial dimensions of young, healthy adult residents in Cross-River State.

METHODOLOGY: Over the course of five months, 126 subjects (61 males and 65 females) from Cross-River State, Nigeria, were included in this study. Photographs were taken using a digital camera (Nikon Digital Camera D5300, Japan) with the subjects at a distance of 120 cm from the lens using 640 X 480 pixels. Photo markings with anatomical points of reference, the measurements taken were; Facial height (Tr -Gn), Cranial width (Eur -Eul) Facial width (T -T) Nasal width (Ail -Ail) Intercanthal distance (Enr -Enl) Nasal height (N -Prn) Nasion-gnathion distance (N -Gn) Binocular distance (Exr -Exl) Inter commissural width (Chr -Chl) Subnasale-gnathion distance (Sn -Gn). The measurements were done using Corel Draw (x7) program.

RESULTS: Findings from the study revealed that the Mean±SD values for the male subjects facial dimensions were; Facial height 113.71±10.00, Cranial width 64.06±7.02, Facial width 79.25±8.10, Nasal width 29.65±3.62, Intercanthal distance 20.29±2.46, Nasal height 25.88±3.22, Nasion-gnathion distance 72.81±6.75, Binocular distance 64.08±11.25, Inter commissural width 36.51±4.76, Subnasale-gnathion distance 40.14±5.16. while those for the females were Facial height 95.03±11.55, Cranial width 53.43±6.63, Facial width 65.65±8.24, Nasal width 24.31±2.58, Intercanthal distance 17.06±2.92, Nasal height 21.27±4.36, Nasion-gnathion distance 60.39±7.44, Binocular distance 51.23±9.80, Inter commissural width 30.51±3.71, Subnasale-gnathion distance 32.79±4.40. The test for equality of variance between male and female individuals from Cross River showed a statistically significant difference in the mean values. This research demonstrated that males from Cross River State exhibited higher values of facial dimensions compared to females.

CONCLUSION: The utilization of non-invasive photogrammetry facilitated efficient measurement of facial parameters, ensuring the convenience and time-saving of participants in this study. This effort contributed to establishing normative values for facial measurements among the people of Cross River. While acknowledging the need for further studies, it is important to note that this work remains valuable in its current scope.

Protective actions of quercetin in manganese-induced neurotoxicity; behavioral, neurostructural, and neurochemical evaluations

O.M. Ijomone, S.O. Okori, A.P. Ebokaiwe — Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Excessive exposure to manganese (Mn) alters neuronal structure and functions. This leads to manganism, a neurological syndrome similar but not identical to Parkinson’s disease. Therapeutic interventions for this Parkinsonian syndrome have been largely unsuccessful due to little knowledge on mechanism of manganese induced brain damage. Oxidative stress is implicated as one mechanism of Mn induced neurotoxicity. Here, we investigated the effects of quercetin, a potent antioxidant obtained from fruits and vegetables on Mn induced neurotoxicity.

METHODOLOGY: Adult male rats were exposed to either Mn only or Mn co-administered with 5 or 10 mg/kg of quercetin, while Control rats were treated with normal saline. All treatments were via intraperitoneal injections for 5 weeks. After treatments, behavioral assessments were performed. Following which, rats were sacrificed, brain excised for microanatomical analysis and biochemical quantification of oxidative stress markers.

RESULTS: Cognitive and locomotor associated behaviors were significantly impaired in Mn only treatment, however quercetin co-administration attenuated only cognitive behavior. Mn treatment induced degenerative changes in brain neurons, accompanied by astrogliosis (abnormal increase in astrocyte population). Co-administration with quercetin reduced these microstructural deficits. Additionally, quercetin co-treatment reduced oxidative stress imposed on brain tissues in Mn only treatment.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the dietary antioxidant quercetin may attenuate structural and behavioral anomalies associated with Mn overexposure, probably due to its ability to resist oxidative stress.

Nephroprotective effects of Cajanus cajan on lead acetate-induced kidney damage of male Wistar rats

Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Lead acetate (Pb), a contaminant found in the environment, is one of the many substances and medications that can cause nephrotoxicity In male Wistar rats, this study investigated the nephroprotective properties of Cajanus cajan ethanol leaf extract.

METHODOLOGY: Twenty (20) adult Wistar rats weighing 150-180g were divided randomly into five groups of four rats each. Group A served as the control and received no treatment. Group B was given only lead acetate dissolved in water at 20 mg/kg body weight via oral gavage. Group C, D and E were given oral intubation of C. cajan ethanol leaf extract at 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg respectively for 14 days followed by oral gavage of Lead acetate mixed in water at 20 mg/kg for 7 days. At day 15 animals were anaesthetized using chloroform. 4 ml of blood sample was collected by ocular puncture from each of the animals using capillary tube and allowed to clot. The serum was collected and further assessed. The Kidney was quickly harvested washed in saline and was stored in 10% formalin solution at room temperature for histopathological studies.

RESULTS: When compared to control group A, the lead-exposed group's, B, C, D and E Groups of serum creatinine and urea levels increased remarkably (p <0.05). Serum creatinine and urea levels in the Cajanus cajan-treated groups C, D and E were significantly (p <0.05) lower compare to group B which was only lead exposed. In the histology, control group showed normal architecture of the kidney. While in group B, administration of lead acetate was seen to cause non-proliferative glomerular atrophy. While in the treated group C, D and E mataplasia and glomerular atrophy were significantly decreased compared to group B.

CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that Cajanus cajan has a significant protection on the kidneys from the harmful effects of lead.

Journal of Experimental and Clinical Anatomy

Energy drink (Fearless) effect on sperm parameters and testicular histology of Wistar rats

Characterizing sex using anthropometric variables of the human hip bone remains from museum collections in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Investigating the effects of aqueous Zingiber officinale rhizome extract on CCL4-induced liver alterations in Wistar rats

Histomorphological and biochemical analyses following adminstration of methanol leaf extract of Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) on the cerebellum of Wistar rats

Effect of Bitter Extra on selected haematological parameters of adult male Wistar rats

Photogrammetric study of facial dimensions among adults resident in Cross River State, Nigeria

Protective actions of quercetin in manganese-induced neurotoxicity; behavioral, neurostructural, and neurochemical evaluations

Nephroprotective effects of Cajanus cajan on lead acetate-induced kidney damage of male Wistar rats

Investigating the effects of aqueous Zingiber officinale rhizome extract on CCL₄-induced liver alterations in Wistar rats