Papain and Fucoidan are extracted enzymes that have gained recognition across food industry, pharmaceutical and digestive applications, but their comparative effects on Biliary flow rate and electrolytes are not known. Hence, this study compared the effects of papain and fucoidan on Biliary flow rate and electrolytes. Twenty (20) male albino Wistar rats weighing between 100g and 150g were divided into 4 groups of 5 animals each as follows: Group I (Control group) were administered normal saline and had access to food and water ad libitum. Group II (Papain group) were administered with 800mg/kg body weight of the stock solution of papain and were allowed free access to food and water. Group III (Fucoidan group) was given 800mg/kg body weight of the stock solution of fucoidan plus food and water. Group IV (Metoclopramide group) was administered with 30mg/kg body weight of Metoclopramide stock solution plus food and water ad libitum. The administration lasted for a duration of 28 days. Bile was collected from the liver (hepatic duct) and was analyzed for bile flow rate and its composition. The results showed that papain significantly increased biliary sodium and chloride, reduced bicarbonate levels, and had no significant effect on bile flow rate compared to the control group. Fucoidan significant effect on Biliary sodium, chloride and bile flow rate when compared to the control group. These results conclude that the two compounds have regulatory, but not stimulatory effects on biliary secretion, which proves their hepatoprotective and stabilising effects. Keywords: fucoidan, Papain, bile flow rate, biliary electrolyte. Short running title: Modulation of Fucoidan and Papain on Biliary Parameter.
Despite evidence suggesting that Mycobacterium tuberculosis induces tryptophan depletion, microbiota dysbiosis and ultimately immune dysfunction, no data exist on serum levels of tryptophan and microbiota-metabolite (indole proprionic acid, IPA) in Nigerian TB patients. This study determined anthropo-nutritional status [Body Mass Index(BMI), Mid-Upper Arm Circumference(MUAC), Waist Circumference(WC), Hip Circumference(HC)], and Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire(SNAQ) scores, serum albumin, tryptophan and IPA in Nigerian PTB patients using questionnaire and ELISA as appropriate. Higher prevalence of DS-TB(92%) than MDR-TB(19%) or control(4%) showed appetite loss with a clinically meaningful risk of 5% weight loss within six months. The BMI, MUAC, WC, HC and SNAQ scores were significantly reduced in DS-TB patients or MDR-TB patients compared with control. The MUAC, WC, HC and SNAQ scores were significantly reduced in DS-TB patients compared with MDR-TB patients. The serum levels of albumin were not significantly reduced while the levels of IPA were not significantly increased in DS-TB patients or MDR-TB patients compared with control. The serum levels of tryptophan were significantly increased in DS-TB patients or MDR-TB patients compared with control. Our findings revealed a need for tryptophan-based management for PTB patients and that PTB is an infectious, metabolic and nutritional disease.
The current study was designed to investigate the outcome of alcohol herbal beverages and ethanol consumption in high-fat diet-induced cardiometabolic syndrome (indices) in rats. The study consists of eight groups of 10 rats per cage. Groups 1-4 were fed a standard normal diet while groups 5-8 were initially fed on HFD for 3 weeks prior to alcohol herbal beverage (AHB), ethanol (EtOH) administration and then continually for 6 weeks. Our result showed that rats fed with HFD showed significant increase in weight gain, relative adipose weight, systolic blood pressure, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure, oral glucose tolerance test, insulin and insulin resistance, dramatically increased TNF-a, IL-6, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride, total cholesterol and decrease superoxide dismutase, reduce glutathione, catalase in the liver and heart tissue. Meanwhile, alcohol herbal beverage (AHB), and ethanol (EtOH) administration alongside ND or HFD feeding showed similar effects and also indicated histopathology alteration. In conclusion, alcoholic herbal beverages and ethanol consumption in normal or high-fat diet feeding may cause impaired glucose tolerance, lipogenesis, elevated insulin level, insulin resistance, liver and heart tissue structural damage marked by elevated oxido-nitrosative stress, and inflammation.
Rodents have provided insight to specific aspects of neural organization including morphology, function, development, and evolution in mammalian species. The superior colliculus (SC) also referred to as rostral colliculus has been studied in several mammals, including nonhuman primates. The SC has been considered a visual motor integration center of the CNS. Under-explored species such as the African Grasscutter (AGC), a semi nocturnal rodent species, exhibits peculiar SC-regulated behaviors in the wild including arrest and freezing abilities in response to predators. This study morphologically assessed differences in the SC of adult and juvenile AGCs. Six AGCs (adult/ juvenile, n= 3) were procured for this study. Brains were harvested and morphologic characteristics including histology, histometry (pyramidal soma size and perimeter) and cell distribution in the SC of AGCs were assessed and quantified. Data obtained were analyzed using GraphPad Prism and computer running imaging software (AmScope and ImageJ, USA). Comparison of morphologic characteristics of SC revealed similarities and variations between the AGCs age groups: SC presented with similar histoarchitectural organization; pyramidal cell soma characteristics and cell distribution showed a significant (p<0.05) difference between the AGCs with higher mean value in the juvenile. This study has demonstrated a basic histoarchitectural organization of the superior colliculus in adult and juvenile African Grasscutter; thus, points to conserved architectural organization across rodent species. Observed differences could be attributed to variations in cellular functionality with response to developmental neurogenesis and synaptic refinement between the rodents. Findings are of potential benefit in understanding neurodevelopmental variations that influence functional capabilities across different age group.
Chronic exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) emitted from mobile phones has raised concerns regarding its potential biological effects on the central nervous system. The present study investigated whether prolonged RF-EMR exposure induces oxidative, neuroendocrine, and neuronal stress in rats, and whether Vitamin E supplementation offers protective effects. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into control, RF-EMR-exposed, RF-EMR plus Vitamin E-treated, and vehicle control groups. Animals were exposed to mobile phone-emitted RF-EMR (0.9/1.8 GHz) for 1 hour/day over 50 days and supplemented with Vitamin E (100 mg/kg body weight, orally through oral gavage needle). Feed intake and body weight were recorded, while serum malondialdehyde (MDA), corticosterone, and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels were assessed as markers of oxidative stress, neuroendocrine stress, and neuronal injury, respectively. Hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression was also evaluated. Compared with control rats, RF-EMR exposure did not significantly alter feed intake or body weight; however, serum MDA, corticosterone, and NSE levels were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Vitamin E supplementation significantly attenuated these biochemical alterations compared with the RF-EMR group (p < 0.05). GFAP expression in the hippocampal CA3 region showed no significant differences among groups. These findings suggest that chronic RF-EMR exposure induces biochemical and neuronal stress prior to overt behavioral changes, and that Vitamin E provides effective antioxidant and neuroprotective benefits.
BACKGROUND:There has been an increase in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in the general population especially among hypertensive patients. This seems to be neglected problem in low-income countries especially our environment with huge attendance consequences. Measures to address the risk factors are advocated as to reduce the burden of the disease and its financial impact on the economy. It is an important public health problem by the National Institute of Health Consensus Development Conference Panel. It has been found to be more associated with chronic medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVES:This study assessed erectile dysfunction and its associated risk factors among adult hypertensive patients attending a tertiary care centre, with a view to screening for erectile dysfunction, advocating for lifestyle modification in order to reduce the burden of the disease. METHODS:It was a hospital-based cross-sectional comparative design which involved two hundred and thirty-six adult male patients recruited via a systematic random sampling technique. Data collection was done using a semi-structured researcher-administered pretested questionnaire to obtain information on the socio-demographic characteristics, past medical history, behavioural characteristics, clinical assessment and erectile dysfunction assessment using Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM). Data was analyzed with SPSS (version 23). Chi square test, fisher's test and logistic regression were used for analysis. RESULTS:The mean age of respondents was 42.1±15.17 years. Out of the 41.1% young age category; 40.7% and 41.5% were hypertensive and non-hypertensive respectively. An overall prevalence of erectile dysfunction of 44.1% with higher prevalence in hypertensive (54.2%) than non-hypertensive (33.9%) respondents was noted. There was a significant difference when ED was compared in the two groups (hypertensive and non-hypertensive) (p<0.05). The study also revealed that body mass index has a significant association with erectile dysfunction (P<0.05). The logistic regression showed that blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and BMI were predictors of erectile dysfunction (p=0.010), (OR=2.026, 95% CI=1.180-3.479) and (p= 0.048), (OR=0.688, 95% CI= 0.372-1.271). CONCLUSION:In as much as smoking and the class of anti-hypertensive medications used by the respondents had no significant association with erectile dysfunction, hypertension and obesity were independently associated with erectile dysfunction. Alcohol use was also significantly associated with erectile dysfunction, but such as an associated vanished on elimination of cofounders.
Permethrin (PM) is a synthetic type 1 pyrethroid insecticide, and excessive exposure can cause a wide range of toxicity. This study evaluated the activities of sesame seed oil (SSO) on the testicular histology and male reproductive parameters in permethrin-induced toxicity in adult Wistar rats. Forty (40) adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four (4) groups of 10 animals each. Group A received 0.5 ml of normal saline; Group B was given feed mixed with 1,000 mg/kg of 0.6% permethrin; Group C received 5 ml/kg of sesame seed oil, and Group D received feed mixed with 1,000 mg/kg of 0.6% permethrin and 5 ml/kg of sesame seed oil. All treatment was done daily for 4 weeks using an oral cannula. The animals were anesthetized and transcardially perfused with normal saline and 10% buffered formalin. The testis was processed for tissue histology, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone were assayed. Furthermore, sperm count, motility, morphology, and viability were evaluated using the caudal epididymis. The result showed reduced body weight and testicular weight in the permethrin (PM) group. There was a reduction in the level of semen parameters due to permethrin exposure. There was also a reduction in the level of testosterone, coupled with a high level of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in the PM group. Permethrin disrupts endogenous antioxidants, and there were degenerative changes in the testicular histoarchitecture in the PM group. The sesame seed oil protected against oxidative damage in male Wistar rats. It regulated the hormonal profiles and improved the caudal epididymal sperm quality as well as improved testicular histoarchitectural integrity. This study showed that sesame seed oil improved testicular histoarchitecture and enhanced reproductive parameters in permethrin-induced testicular damage. Key words: Permethrin, Sesame seed oil, Glutathione, Testosterone, histoarchitecture.
The Anacardium occidentale nut is increasingly gaining attention due to its economic, nutritional value and biological properties. This study is aimed at evaluating the anti-inflammatory potential of Anacardium occidentale nut Methanol extract (AOME) in carrageenan-induced paw oedema and the carrageenan-induced air pouch models of inflammation. AOME (200 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) inhibited carrageenan-induced increase in paw volume and increase in paw size, respectively, at 5 hours post-carrageenan injection. In the carrageenan induced air pouch inflammation model, 200 mg/kg AOME significantly (P<0.05) reduced exudate volume, Total leucocyte count, Neutrophil cell count, Monocyte count and Lymphocyte count. 200 mg/kg AOME also reduced significantly MDA, Nitrite, TNF-α, IL-6, and significantly increased GSH and catalase levels. Anacardium occidentale nuts showed anti-inflammatory effects through reduction in lipid peroxidation and TNF-α and IL-6 activity, alongside amelioration of oxidative stress.
Anxiety disorders form one the most common type of mental illness and comprises of separation anxiety, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. These disorders offer considerable comorbidity with other mental disorders like depression, memory and learning deficit which all shows considerable seasonal variance. Seasonal changes have major impact on health of individuals' especially mental health. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is an acetylated derivative of cysteine, and is considered as an antioxidant precursor to glutathione. It has been shown to ameliorate various types of mental disorders. This study investigated changes in anxiety-like behaviours in albino mice across different seasons in Nigeria and the modulatory role of NAC. The study was conducted across two seasons (cold dry and hot humid seasons) Nigeria. Forty (40) mice of both sexes (20/season) were used, divided into control (normal saline) and NAC (500mg/kg body weight) groups, respectively. All administration was done orally for one week and the rectal temperatures were measured. Behavioural test was conducted using Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Open Field Test under standard protocols for each season for a period of one week. The parameters for seasonal changes were also recorded. All analyses were done using Mixed ANOVA followed by Tukey's and Bonferroni's test, respectively and (P-values <0.05) were considered significant using SPSS version 22. The results of the study revealed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in anxiety-like behaviours in hot humid season and increased locomotive activity in cold dry season in male mice. Female mice were more susceptibility to anxiety in cold dry season, which was ameliorated by NAC. In conclusion, the study revealed that hot humid season have anxiogenic like effects, while cold dry season increased locomotive activities in male mice, demonstrating increase exploratory activity and decrease in level of anxiety. The study establishes the occurrence of anxiogenic-like behaviours in female mice in the cold dry season which was ameliorated by NAC administration. Key Words: Anxiety, Seasonal Variation, N-Acetyl Cysteine, Neurobehaviour Running Title: Seasonal variation and Anxiety-like behaviour.
Heliotropium indicum, commonly known as Indian heliotrope, is a member of the family Boraginaceae, and possessed array of ethnomedicinal usefulness. The objective of this study was to computationally investigate phytochemical constituents, pharmacokinetics and binding dynamics of ethanolic leaf extract of H. indicum with key molecular targets relevant to malaria. The method used are pharmacokinetics prediction, target prediction, and molecular docking. The results showed twenty-nine (29) identified constituents of which some are poorly soluble and have low gastrointestinal absorption (GIA) and others soluble with high GIA and could permeate the blood brain barrier (BBB). The molecular docking results showed that eicosane have the highest binding affinity for Enoyl- acyl-carrier protein (ACP) reductase (-7.363 kcal.mol-1), followed by 3-oxoacyl-ACP reductase (-7.012 kcal.mol-1), and beta-hydroxyacyl-ACP dehydratase (-6.295 kcal.mol-1), while Nonadecane has binding affinity of -5.048 kcal.mol-1 for Heat shock protein 90; 2-(Pentyloxycarbonyl) benzoic acid has binding affinity of -5.375 kcal.mol-1 for cysteine protease falcipain-3, and 4-Methoxyanthranilic acid has binding affinity of -5.667 kcal.mol-1 for M17 leucyl aminopeptidase. Overall, this study showed that nonadecane, 1-chlorononadecane, eicosane, 2-(Pentyloxycarbonyl) benzoic acid, and 4-Methoxyanthranilic acid, are the five most active constituents of ethanolic leaves extract of H. indicum; targeting key proteins in P. falciparum. In conclusion, ethanolic leaves extract of H. indicum plant has potential antimalarial properties. However, further in vivo and in vitro studies are required to validate the claims of this study in order to established therapeutic efficacy of active compounds of ethanolic leaves extract of H. indicum that are directly responsible for its antimalarial properties. Keywords: Heliotropium indicum, phytochemicals, pharmacokinetics, Plasmodium falciparum, Enoyl-ACP reductase, M17 leucyl aminopeptidase, molecular docking.
INTRODUCTION:Infertility is a growing public‑health concern with male factors contributing substantially; sorbitol use as a low‑calorie sweetener raises questions about its reproductive effects. This study evaluated regimen‑ and dose‑dependent impacts of oral sorbitol on the male reproductive axis in adult Wistar rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Thirty‑six animals were assigned to control groups or to acute (4 weeks) and chronic (8 weeks) low‑dose (45 mg/kg) and high‑dose (90 mg/kg) sorbitol groups; ethical approval was obtained. Outcomes included body and testicular weight, sperm count, morphology and vitality; serum GnRH, FSH, LH and testosterone; serum and testicular lipid profiles; oxidative markers (MDA, GSH, SOD, GPX); inflammatory markers (TNF‑α, CRP); and histology (H&E, Masson trichrome). RESULTS:Body weight was unchanged across groups, while chronic high‑dose sorbitol caused significant testicular weight reduction. Acute low‑dose exposure increased sperm count but also raised abnormal forms and altered viability, whereas chronic regimens reduced sperm counts. Hormonal responses were regimen specific: acute high dose transiently elevated testosterone and acute low dose increased LH, but chronic high dose produced marked GnRH suppression with downstream gonadotropin decline. Lipid profiling revealed acute systemic lipid shifts and chronic intratesticular lipid accumulation, paralleling compartmentalised changes in oxidative stress. Acute exposure reduced some systemic oxidative markers and increased testicular GSH, but chronic high dose increased testicular MDA and induced GPX, with reconfigured TNF‑α/CRP signalling. Histology showed early seminiferous epithelial disruption in acute groups and interstitial collagen deposition consistent with evolving fibrosis in chronic groups. CONCLUSION:These mixed biochemical, hormonal and structural findings indicate potential short‑term metabolic signals yet clear long‑term reproductive risks from chronic high‑dose sorbitol, warranting longitudinal mechanistic and interventional studies.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, HIV medications and type 2 diabetes mellitus adversely affects kidney function including erythropoiesis. However, studies evaluating the coexisting effects of these conditions on serum erythropoietin (EPO) levels and the hematological profile of those affected in southern Nigeria are scarce. In this study, 128 adults between the ages of 18 and 59 years were selected from designated health facilities in southern Nigeria. They were divided into four groups (n=32 persons per group). Fasting/random blood sugar (FBS/RBS) levels, complete blood count (CBC), glycated heamoglobin (HBA1C), serum levels of erythropoietin were determined using standard methods. Results show a significant increase (P < 0.05) in serum EPO and total red blood cell count (TRBC) in the HIV only group compared to other groups. The total white blood cell count (TWBC), platelets count and platelet/lymphocyte rato increased in the diabetic plus HIV group. The FBS/RBS and theHBA1C levels increased in the diabetic and diabetic plus HIV groups compared to others. Increased erythropoiesis, depicted by increased serum EPO and TRBC could be attributable to improved use of HIV medications and improved lifestyle among the HIV positive patients on treatment. Poorly controlled T2DM with resultant increased HBA1C levels in the diabetic and diabetic plus HIV groups was responsible for the increase in TWBC and platelet count, likely due to impaired immune function leading to sepsis in these groups.
Hypertension is a prevalent disease globally and its prevalence is rising in sub-Saharan Africa. Urban-rural differences in the prevalence of hypertension are under-reported in Nigeria. Though hypertension is known to be related to obesity, the nature of the relationship is still unclear. This study sought to interrogate these and thus enrolled a total of 1,755 subjects (59% females) from five states in the old Eastern Region of Nigeria. Standard protocols and definitions were used to take measurements and diagnose relevant disease states. Appropriate statistical tools were used for data analysis. The results indicate that prehypertension was found in 40.0% of males and 27.5% of females while hypertension was found in 19.1% of males and 18.6% of females. The prevalence of (pre)hypertension among urban and rural males were similar (19%). However, prehypertension was more prevalent among urban females (29.1% Vs 24.3%); while hypertension was more prevalent among rural females (21.9% Vs 17.1%). SBP was found to be positively and significantly correlated with weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-height ratio and body mass index in the general population. When disaggregated based on blood pressure phenotypes, the correlations were found to be consistent mostly among normotensive subjects and among females. Among subjects with (pre)hypertension, the correlations varied in strength and direction depending on sex and measure of adiposity used. The urban-rural difference in the prevalence of hypertension and the relationship between hypertension and obesity are not linear.
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability, is typically caused by expansion of a CGG triplet repeat in the 5' untranslated region (5'-UTR) of the FMR1 gene. Growing evidence indicates that intragenic mutations in FMR1, including single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and structural changes, can also alter FMR1 function without the classical pathogenic expansion of CGG repeats. This study re-analysed publicly available next-generation sequencing (NGS) data from BioProject PRJNA745542 using a reproducible Galaxy-based bioinformatics workflow to identify non-repeat intragenic FMR1 variants. Of 18 available datasets, 11 paired-end Illumina samples passing quality control (Phred > 30) were analysed for non-repeat intragenic FMR1 variants. Ninety-one unique variants were identified: 61 single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), 26 insertions/deletions (indels), three mixed (complex) variants, and one multi-nucleotide polymorphism (MNP), producing 1,107 predicted gene effects. SnpEff predicted sixteen variants to have high or moderate impact, predominantly within the KH1 and KH2 RNA-binding domains of FMRP. Most predicted effects (94.3%) were intronic or non-coding, suggesting a possible regulatory role in the expression or processing of FMR1 transcripts. These preliminary findings warrant validation in larger cohorts of subjects with verified disease status. High-impact KH-domain variants are predicted to disrupt hydrogen bonding required for FMRP RNA-binding and mRNA transport. This study extends the known mutation spectrum of FMR1 and supports the development of comprehensive NGS-based diagnostic assays that combine intragenic SNV and indel detection with quantitative CGG repeat analysis. Further studies using cellular or animal models are needed to validate the candidate variants identified and their potential role in Fragile X syndrome pathogenesis.
The nasal mucosa is the primary defense mechanism of the upper respiratory tract. Its functionality relies heavily on the intricate balance of mucociliary clearance (MCC), mucosal hydration, epithelial tight junction integrity, and local immunological responses. While the detrimental physiological effects of low humidity and cold temperatures on nasal function are extensively documented in the literature, the physiological and pathological impacts of chronic exposure to high relative humidity (RH) and high temperatures-the defining characteristics of tropical and equatorial climates-remain significantly underrepresented and poorly synthesised. Given that approximately 40% of the global population lives in these climate zones, understanding these mechanisms is of paramount importance to global health. This evidence gap is particularly critical for sub-Saharan Africa, where sinonasal disorders constitute a significant and underappreciated component of the otolaryngological disease burden, yet region-specific clinical guidelines remain largely absent. Compounding this, rapid urbanisation across African and Asian tropical cities is accelerating the adoption of air-conditioning, creating novel patterns of indoor-outdoor micro-climatic exposure that may be fundamentally altering the epidemiology of chronic rhinitis. This systematic review aims to comprehensively evaluate the correlation between high ambient humidity in tropical climates and nasal mucosal function. The primary endpoints include mucociliary clearance times, ciliary beat frequency (CBF), mucus rheology (viscoelasticity), epithelial barrier integrity, and the epidemiological prevalence of specific sinonasal disorders such as tropical allergic rhinitis and non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis. A rigorous systematic literature search was conducted in strict adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search spanned PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for peer-reviewed articles published between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2025. Inclusion criteria mandated studies evaluating human nasal mucosal physiology, MCC time, CBF, and humidity levels exceeding 70%. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomised trials. Out of 1,420 initially identified records, 45 studies met the stringent inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. The aggregated data indicate a complex, non-linear, U-shaped relationship between ambient RH and MCC efficiency: optimal MCC occurs between 40% and 60% RH, while chronic exposure to tropical humidity (>70% RH) combined with high ambient temperatures (>28°C) is associated with mucosal engorgement, altered mucus rheology characterised by decreased viscosity and elasticity, and a paradoxical slowing of ciliary beat frequency (CBF). Furthermore, the modern tropical lifestyle involves frequent, abrupt transitions between highly humid outdoor environments and cold, desiccating air-conditioned indoor spaces. This 'micro-climatic shock' may contribute to reactive turbinate hypertrophy, disrupted osmotic gradients, and increased susceptibility to perennial aeroallergens such as house dust mites and fungal spores. High ambient humidity in tropical climates is associated with altered nasal mucosal function, including impaired MCC and changes in mucus rheology. These findings highlight the need for climate-specific approaches to the management of sinonasal disorders. Keywords: Nasal mucosa; humidity; tropical climate; mucociliary clearance; rhinitis; air-conditioning.
Hormonal disruptions due to seizures and antiseizure medications (ASMs) might be responsible for the cognitive dysfunction in people with epilepsy. This study investigated the association between reproductive hormones and Cognitive Impairment (CI) in women with epilepsy (WWE). A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 WWE aged 18-45 years. Epilepsy diagnosis was clinical and supported by electroencephalography (EEG). Cognitive function was evaluated using the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia (CSID). Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone, estradiol, prolactin, and testosterone were measured during the follicular and luteal menstrual phases. Analyses included Age group, which examined CI distribution across different age ranges, Mann-Whitney U tests for group comparisons, logistic regression for predictors, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for diagnostic accuracy (p < 0.05). Of the participants, 28% had CI. The CI group exhibited higher follicular-phase LH (p = 0.002) and testosterone (p < 0.001), as well as luteal-phase LH (p = 0.039) and LH/FSH ratio (p = 0.046), but lower luteal-phase progesterone (p = 0.039), estradiol (p = 0.042), and prolactin (p = 0.023) compared to the non-CI group. Logistic regression identified testosterone as the sole significant predictor (p = 0.004; odds ratio = 0.555; 95% confidence interval, 0.373-0.825), indicating a 44.5% reduction in CI odds per unit increase. ROC analysis demonstrated moderate predictive accuracy for testosterone (area under the curve = 0.708; p < 0.001). Elevated follicular-phase LH and testosterone, luteal-phase LH alongside LH/ FSH, are associated with CI in WWE, with testosterone emerging as a key predictor. These findings indicate that hormonal factors play a role in cognitive impairment among individuals with epilepsy and suggest that focusing on hormone-based therapies might augment ASMs to improve treatment outcomes. Keywords: Cognitive impairment, women with epilepsy, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, Mann-Whitney U test, logistic regression.
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a leading role in transmuting the field of healthcare. Numerous aspects of AI have been incorporated into the healthcare delivery system. For instance, in disease diagnosis, the practice of personalised treatment plans and precision medicine are AI-dependent. This review gives a widespread role of AI in healthcare, with a focus on applications, and challenges. Deep brain stimulation, statistical analysis, machine learning, and deep learning are a few examples of AI-powered technologies that have contributed immensely to biomedical research and medical imaging advancement. Moreover, AI algorithms are pivotal in genomics research, easing the identification of genetic markers related to disease vulnerability and treatment reaction, thereby aiding the practice of precision medicine. Apart from diagnosis and treatment strategies, AI assists in healthcare management and resource optimization, along with the discovery and therapy of drugs. Forecasting of disease outbreaks, effective allocation of hospital resources, and management of patient traffic rely mostly on predictive analytics driven by AI. Again, AI-powered virtual health assistance, telemedicine has aided patient appointments and support, giving real-time support and health recommendations. Although AI algorithms provide outstanding breakthroughs in healthcare, AI adoption is cumbered by numerous dares such as monetary concerns, regulatory hurdles, data privacy fears, and ethical considerations associated with AI applications, such as algorithm bias and transparency. Futuristically, AI application in healthcare holds vast potential, such as early disease detection, drug discovery, and optimization of treatment. Concerted efforts targeted at tackling the prevailing challenges and creating holistic control would be important to tie together the full potential of AI in rejuvenating the healthcare delivery system.
The study aimed at elucidating the potency of aqueous extract of Talinum triangulare on the hippocampal neurons, astrocytes as well as assessing short term memory of scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's type rats. Fifty-four Wistar rats (180-200g) were used for the study; thirty experimental rats were randomly grouped into five, each containing six rats designated A, B, C, D and E while twenty-four rats were used to establish 50% lethal dose (LD50). Alzheimer's type cognitive dysfunction was intraperitoneally (ip) induced with scopolamine hydrobromide (1mg/kg, ip) for seven days in groups B-E prior to the oral administration of the aqueous extract (875 and 1750mg/kg) and donepezil (1mg/kg), followed by the novel object recognition test, histological and GFAP staining processes. Results revealed atrophied pyramidal cells, hyperchromatic, numerous glial cells with pale cytoplasmic inclusions and astrogliosis in groups B, C, and E while group D showed ameliorative potentials compared to group A. Also, short term memory was significantly higher in group D compared to groups B, C and E. In conclusion, aqueous extract of Talinium triangulare leaves reduced the potentials of scopolamine hydrobromide by restoring abnormal neurons, hence, enhancing cognitive memory in the rats used in the present study.
In this study, we compared the ulcer healing effect of carbohydrate-, protein- and fat-rich diets on acetic acid-induced ulcers in young and aged rats. Male Wistar rats (40 each at 3-, 6-, 12-, and 18 months old) were grouped into four to receive basal diet (control), carbohydrate-, protein-, or fat-rich diets for 21 days before acetic acid-induced gastric injury. After this, the various feedings continued for 3- and 7 days. Planimetry was used for the ulcer healing study. We estimated the redox status, pepsin, mucin, and nitric oxide activities by UV/Vis-spectrophotometer while the Epidermal Growth Factor-Receptor (EGF-R) was by immunohistochemistry. Data was analyzed (two-way ANOVA) and was considered significant at p≤0.05. Percentage ulcer healing by day 7 relative to day 3 decreased with advancing age in other diets but increased in the aged rats fed a protein-rich diet. Gastric carbonyl, Malondehyde, and pepsin activities increased significantly with age, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, mucin, Nitric-oxide and EGF-R expression significantly decreased with age. Protein-rich diets modulated the age-related alterations. These findings suggest that a protein-rich diet facilitates the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric injury by enhancing gastroprotective activity to favour EGF-R expression in the ulcerated stomach.
