Lead is a hazardous naturally found heavy metal that has been reported to induce haematological alterations. Whether cabbage, a commonly consumed vegetable rich in antioxidants and anticancer compounds, can mitigate these alterations remains unknown. This study investigated the protective effect of cabbage juice against Lead-induced haematological changes. Twenty (20) male Wistar rats were randomly selected into four groups (n = 5) and given distilled water (1 ml/100 g b.wt), Lead acetate (25 mg/kg b.wt), Cabbage juice (1 ml/100 g b.wt), and Lead acetate with Cabbage juice. All treatments were given orally for 28 days. Lead exposure induces normocytic normochromic anemia with substantial leukocytosis, lymphocytopenia, and hyperfibrinogenemia. Lead-intoxicated animals had significantly higher haemolysis and prolonged clotting times. However, cabbage juice reverses these adverse haematological and haemorheological changes induced by Lead acetate. Conclusively, cabbage juice demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and immunomodulatory properties, as well as the ability to protect the red blood cell membrane from damage caused by Lead-induced osmotic stress.

Increasing incidences of obesity are widely and significantly connected to the risks of cardiovascular/coronary heart diseases, hypertension, stroke, etc. However, prevalence of obesity contrasts by genetic, gender and inter/intra population factors. The present study thus investigated the changes in atherogenic lipid profile in obese women resident in Rivers State. A minimum sample size of 272 was determined using the Leslie Fischer's formula; precisely 334 obese and non-obese women within their 18 and 65 years of age with no critical health condition and resident in Upland and Riverine areas of Rivers State were actually surveyed by the present study. A multistage sampling technique was adopted, and subjects were recruited across the upland and riverine locations of the State. These subjects were uniformly drawn from the multi-ethnic residents of the state. Anthropometric (body mass index-BMI) data and blood sample (via antecubital vein following standard procedures) were obtained from the consenting subjects. After laboratory analyses, the numerical data were subjected to statistical analyses using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t-test with a p< 0.05 considered statistically significant were determined. Virtually all atherogenic lipid profile markers evaluated in the present study [TC, TG, and LDL-C, Castelli risk index (CRI), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and AC atherogenic coefficient (AC)] were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the obese subjects compared to those of the non-obese. And the values were even higher in the riverine obese subjects than in those of their upland counterparts. In conclusion, the outcome of the present study indicates possible existence of intra-cultural or intra-population distinctions that may be responsible for the severer atherogenic lipid profile of the obese subjects, (particularly amongst the riverine subjects). The likely imminent grave health risks (like coronary artery diseases, cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerotic, etc.) amongst the subjects (mainly the riverine residents) must be checked and properly managed at the levels of the individual, caregiver and government/regulators, in order to consciously reduce the huge health burden of obesity in our populace.

Oxido-inflammatory stress has been involved in lead-induced testicular dysfunction and plants rich in anti-oxidants has been reported to be beneficial in combating heavy metal poisonings in animal studies. However, cabbage juice protective effect on lead-induced testicular dysfunction was investigated in this study. Twenty male Wistar rats were selected into four (n = 5) groups and given distilled water (1 ml/100 g body weight), lead acetate (25 mg/kg body weight), cabbage juice (1 ml/100 g body weight), and lead acetate with cabbage juice, respectively. All treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Sperm count, motility, viability, testosterone, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, testicular Bcl-2 expression, and enzymatic anti-oxidant capabilities were considerably (p < 0.05) decrease in lead-treated animals. However, cabbage juice significantly (p < 0.05) elevated these parameters. Testicular malondialdehyde, tumour necrosis factor-α, nitric oxide and interleukin-6 was elevated by lead acetate. When comparing cabbage juice-treated animals to lead-treated animals, all of these parameters were considerably (p < 0.05) downregulated in cabbage juice-treated animals. Following lead administration, the testes' histomorphological alterations were not totally recovered despite therapy with cabbage juice. Conclusively, this study suggest that cabbage juice mitigates testicular dysfunction associated with lead exposure via its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and androgenic properties.

Background: Hematinic effect of the extract of locust bean seeds was investigated following Phenylhydrazine (primarily used as antipyretics) administration in wistar rats. Methods: The phytochemical, chemical and mineral constituents of the locust bean seeds were evaluated. 25 adult male wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: Group 1 rats were untreated control; Group 2 received only phenylhydrazine: (negative controls); Group 3 received phenylhydrazine +100 mg/kg of extract; Group 4 received phenylhydrazine +1000 mg/kg of extract; Group 5 received phenylhydrazine + 0.23 ml/kg of Bioferon®: phenylhydrazine (40mg/kg body weight) was administered via intraperitoneal route on day 0, with two additional doses given at 9am and 6pm, on day 1 of the experiment; the seed extracts of Parkia biglobosa and Bioferon were both administered orally for 14 days. On day 15, the rats were anesthetized by chloroform and blood was collected by direct cardiac puncture. Packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), Red blood cell counts (RBC), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean concentration of hemoglobin (MCH), Reticulocytes and Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined using automated machine (Sysmex apparatus of the type 8999). Results: The phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of tannis, alkaloids, flavonoid, aponin, steroid and glycosides. The chemical analysis indicated the presence of moisture, protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash, carbohydrate, and nitrogen. The mineral contents of the extract revealed the presence of: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Copper and Phosphorus. Phenylhydrazine significantly reduced all erythrocyte parameters in group 2 rats when compared with group 1 rats (p<0.05). However, administration of the extract and Bioferon significantly increased values of all erythrocyte parameters in groups 4 and 5 rats respectively compared with group 2 rats. Conclusion: The results suggest a possible hematinic effect of the extract of locust bean seeds on the parameters of erythrocyte following phenylhydrazine administration. The observed effects of the extract could possibly be from the rich nutritional content of the P. biglobosa seeds.

Aim: This present study was carried out to ascertain the influences of ABO and Rhesus blood groups on blood pressure and hypertension among normotensive and hypertensive patients attending cardiologic clinic in Niger delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State Nigeria. Study Design: Cross sectional study design was adopted. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Cardiology Clinics in the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Okolobiri, Bayelsa State, from February 2020 to November 2020. Methodology: This study was carried out on 800 participants, consisting of 400 each of apparently healthy Normotensive and Hypertensive individuals. The blood pressures were determined using palpatory and auscultatory (stethoscope and sphygmomanometer) method in both control and hypertensive groups and their ABO and Rhesus blood groups were determined using the slide haemagglutination technique. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS statistical software to perform Chi-square test. Results: The frequency of the various blood groups was A-20.0%, B-16.8%, AB-13.3% and O-50.0% for the normotensive individuals and A-12.0%, B-15.5%, AB-17.8% and O-54.8%, for the hypertensive individuals. The frequency of ABO blood groups in both the normotensive and hypertensive group was therefore found to be O>B>A>AB. The prevalence of blood group O and rhesus O-ve was found to be associated with elevated blood pressure and the development of hypertension while prevalence of blood group AB was found to be lowest in the same group, but was not significant statistically (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure of different blood groups. Conclusion: Blood group O was found to be the most common blood group in our study. Blood group O- was also found to be more prone to hypertension. However, there was no statistically significant association between ABO blood groups and Hypertension.

Stress-induced cognitive-decline is emphasized by stress-hormone receptors presence in brain cognition-control areas in animal models; human studies are few. We established the burdens of stress and mild cognitive impairments and their causal associations amongst faculty of University of Port Harcourt. Using a two-phased retrospective cohort study, 115 subjects (28 were controls; others were recruited following multi-staged sampling of University of Port Harcourt lecturers) were examined using the ten-item PSS and MOCA-B scales for perceived-stress levels and mild cognitive impairments (MCI) respectively.

Studies have reported deleterious effect of landfill leachate and their surrounding water sources around the world. None has been reported on the Port Harcourt (Eliozu) landfill. This therefore necessitates this study that evaluated the hepatotoxic effects of Port Harcourt (Eliozu) landfill in wistar rats. 25 wistar rats were grouped into five of five rats each. Group 1 served as the control and received 1 ml of commercial non-carbonated bottled water; Group 2 served as negative control and received 1 ml of water obtained from borehole about 1 km from the landfill; while Groups 3, 4 and 5 received 1 ml of 10% of leachate concentration, 1 ml of 50% of leachate concentration and 1 ml of 100% of leachate concentration respectively once daily for 90 days. After the treatment period, the rats were sacrificed and 5 ml of blood was collected via cardiac puncture. The blood samples were prepared and used for the determination of serum concentrations of liver enzymes. The rats were also dissected and the liver harvested for histochemical analysis using the periodic acid Schiff stain. Result showed the serum concentrations liver enzymes significantly increased in the rats exposed to the leachate and water from a nearby borehole. Also histochemistry examination showed a marked distortion of the hepatic cells and cirrhotic change in the test groups compared to control. This study therefore concludes that exposure to Port Harcourt Eliozu landfill leachate (PELL) may cause significant hepatotoxicity in rats.

Introduction: Hyperlipidemia is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases (CHDs) with treatment ranging from dietary management and the use of antihyperlipidaemic drugs. The desire for anti-hyperlipidaemic drugs with less side effects has led to the screening of medical with anti-hyperlipidaemic properties. Aim: The present study is aimed at evaluating the effects of hydromethanolic extracts of Dioscorea bulbifera on high fat diet, tyloxapol and dexamethasone induced hyperlipidaemia using Wistar rat models. Methodology: Fifty five (55) adult male Wistar rats weighing 180-250 g were used for the study. Natural induction of hyperlipidaemia was done using a formulated High fat diet made from commercial rat chow and rendered cow fat while chemical induction of hyperlipidaemia was done using tyloxapol (200 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (20 mg/kg). The Wistar rats where divided into eleven (11) groups comprising four (5) control groups and seven (6) experimental groups. The extracts were used to treat the hyperlipidaemic rats at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg while Simvastatin was used as a standard. Blood samples of the animals were analyzed for Total cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), High density lipoproteins (HDL), Low density lipoproteins (LDL), Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and Serum glucose were determined by standard enzymatic methods. Results: The results indicate that the hyperlipidaemic rats treated with extracts of Dioscorea bulbifera had significantly reduced TC, TG, LDL, VLDL and serum glucose compared with the control (untreated hyperlipidaemic rats) (P<0.05). In the same way, the HDL was found to be significantly higher among the treated hyperlipidaemic rats compared with the untreated controls. Conclusion: The present study shows that hydromethanolic extracts of Dioscorea bulbifera has a possible antihyperlipidaemic potentials as demonstrated by its ability to significantly improve lipid profile and lower serum glucose levels in hyperlipidaemic rat models.

Introduction: Lead (Pb) is a transition metal and a known male reproductive toxicant that induces its effects mainly through oxidative stress. This study investigated the effects of L-Citrulline (Cit) supplement on reproductive functions and antioxidant activities in Lead acetate treated male rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty male rats (180-200 g) were grouped into four and treated as follows; Group 1 (Control), given distilled water, Group 2 was given Pb acetate (2.25mg/kg), Group 3 was co-treated with Pb acetate (2.25mg/kg) and Cit (900mg/kg) and Group 4 was given Cit (900mg/kg) only. All administrations were done orally for thirty days. Caudal sperm, serum hormone levels and testicular antioxidant activities and Nitric oxide levels were evaluated at the end administrations. Results: Results showed decrease (p<0.05) in sperm morphology, count, viability, motility, FSH, LH, Testosterone, Catalase, Nitric Oxide and Super oxide dismutase in Group 2(Pb treated rats), when compared to Group 1(Control).However, in Group 3 (Pb acetate co-administered with Cit) the effect was significantly reversed (p<0.05) compared with Group 2 and significant increase was observed in Group 4 (Cit only group) compared with Group 2. There was an increase (p<0.05) in Malondialdehyde level in Group 2 compared with (Group 1) Control while a significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in Groups 3 and 4 compared with Group 2. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that L- Citrulline supplement has ameliorating capacity on the toxic effect of Lead acetate on sperm parameters.

Background: Due to cardiac adaptations in athletes, the normal electrocardiogram (ECG) may be altered and abnormal patterns occur. Cardiovascular-related sudden death is a leading cause of mortality during sports. ECG interpretation in athletes therefore requires careful analysis to properly distinguish changes due to physiological adaptations from those suggestive of underlying pathology. The present study describes ECG changes and attempts to identify possible adaptive and maladaptive changes among a cohort of elite athletes of different sports in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.Subjects and Methods: Cross-sectional prospective study involving 339 subjects (16–35 years) comprising 170 athletes (63 males and 107 females) and 169 nonathletes (74 males and 95 females) serving as control were recruited. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure indices were determined and physical examination conducted to exclude associated comorbidities. Electrocardiographic parameters were determined through standard procedure using a resting 12-lead ECG.Results: No significant differences were observed for anthropometric parameters and blood pressure indices between male athletes and male nonathletes; although, female athletes had significantly higher weight and body mass index than female nonathletes. Irrespective of gender, athletes had significantly lower heart rate, T-axis and significantly higher QT-intervals compared to nonathletes; with lower P-axis and higher PR-interval among male athletes compared to male nonathletes. The left ventricular hypertrophy was the most prevalent abnormality among athletes.Conclusion: Changes described are due majorly to physiologic adaptation. However, some mal adaptations suggestive of risk factors for possible sudden cardiac death were identified. We advise sports physicians to carefully interpret ECG features of athletes to distinguish physiological changes related to athletic conditioning from findings suggestive of pathology.

Regular exercise is highly effective in cardiovascular health improvement. Professional athletes have always been regarded as exemplars of good health and have also attracted scientific curiosity on account of the strength and endurance that characterize their lifestyle. Over a period of time in athletes, cardiac adaptations to sport activities occur. The normal electrocardiographic (ECG) presentation of the heart is changed and abnormal pattern becomes present. Some of these abnormal ECG changes are suggested to be maladaptations that are risk factors for sudden cardiac death. Does the abnormal ECG pattern have anything to do with the training age of the athletes? The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between electrocardiographic abnormalities and training age of athletes in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out on a total of 170 athletes consisting of 63males and 107 females (16-35years of age). Their training ages were documented and the athletes were grouped into 3: Group 1 are athletes that have been training for 1-5years; group 2 : 6-10years and group 3 from 10 years and above. Anthropometric measurements and heart rates were determined. Physical examination was conducted to exclude the presence of associated co-morbidities. Electrocardiographic parameters were determined using a standard resting 12-lead electrocardiogram. Maladaptive ECG changes were determined using the Seattle criteria. Results showed that the training ages of athletes negatively correlated significantly with heart rate(R=-0.24; P=0.001) and T-axis (R=-0.24; P=0.01). Also training age positively correlated significantly with QRSInterval (R=0.16; 0.03) and QTInterval (R= 0.22; 0.001). Athletes in group 3 (training age > 10years) recorded a significantly higher percentage of the occurrence of repolarization abnormality (ꭕ 2 =5.50; p= 0.04). In addition, being a female and increased training age, are the significant predictors of the occurrence of a maladaptation. (Odd ratio=4.38; p=0.003 and odd ratio = 1.14; p=0.03 respectively). The abnormal electrocardiographic changes found in this study may be due to some physiological maladaptation resulting from prolonged training age and possibly sex variation. These maladaptations are suggestive of risk factors for possible sudden cardiac death.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases; the possible uses of Spondias mombin and Curcuma longa rhizomes for the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders have become prevalent in our environment. Aim: The present study attempts a Comparative assessment of the effects of methanolic extracts of Spondias mombin leaves and Curcuma longa rhizomes on serum lipid profile and electrolytes in alloxan induced diabetes in male wistar rats. Methodology: 90 male wistar rats were randomly divided into 9 groups of 10 rats each. Diabetes was induced intraperitonially using alloxan at 200 mg/kg-bw. The different rat Groups were treated with extracts and glibenclamide orally for 42 days as follows: Group 1: untreated non diabetic; Group 2: untreated diabetic; Group 3: diabetic + low dose Spondias mombin; Group 4: diabetic + high dose Spondias mombin; Group 5: diabetic + low dose Curcuma longa; Group 6: diabetic + high dose Curcuma longa; Group 7: diabetic + low dose combined Spondias mombin and Curcuma longa; Group 8: diabetic + high dose combined Spondias mombin and Curcuma longa; and Group 9; diabetic + glibenclamide. Blood was collected on day 43 by cardiac puncture for determination of serum lipid profile and electrolytes. Results: Compared to Group 2, total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and electrolytes were significantly reduced while high density lipoprotein was significantly increased in all treated Groups (p<0.05). Compared to Groups 3 to 6, Groups 7 and 8 rats showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein as well as electrolytes (p<0.05): however, high density lipoprotein was significantly increased (p<0.05). Conclusion: Spondias mombin showed better hypolipidemic effects compared to Curcuma longa. However, results show that combined treatment with both extracts had better hypolipidemic effects than administration of individual extracts. Further research is recommended to evaluate the possible mechanism of action of these extract.

Hydration status is a major concern as it affects the health and performance of athletes. This study was aimed at evaluating the hydration status of professional football players in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State of Nigeria. 30 male and 30 female professional football players and 30 male and 30 female physically active persons aged 18 to 35years were randomly selected for the study. Pre-training urine specific gravity, percentage change in body weight post-training and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated using reagent strips and standard protocol respectively. Results obtained showed that: 90% each of male and female professional football players were found to be minimally to significantly dehydrated prior training; similarly, 60% of physically active males and 53.3% of physically active females were found to be minimally to significantly dehydrated prior training. Percentage change in body weight post training was 3.18± 0.21% for male professional football players and 3.27±0.14% for female professional football players; 2.37±0.10% for physically active males and 2.06±0.11% for physically active females. Percentage change in body weight post training was significantly higher in professional football players compared to physically active persons: male professional football players versus male physically active persons (t= 3.50, p=0.001); female professional football players versus female physically active persons (t=7.67, p=0.001). Our findings are a cause for concern on account of the potential to impair athletic performance and endanger the health of athletes and non-athletes.

Free radicals generated in a variety of biological systems have been implicated in mechanisms of aging and age-related pathologies. This study strategically revealed the varying levels of carbonylated proteins in 3 different tissues of 40 wistar rats of varying ages. Their ages include 25-30, 45-50 and 65-70 days. The brain, heart and kidney tissue homogenates were prepared and biochemically analyzed for products of protein oxidation using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones and autoantibodies against carbonylated proteins. This study revealed a direct proportional relationship between age and protein carbonylation in brain, heart and kidney tissue homogenates. The level of carbonylated proteins were significantly (P≤0.05) increased in the assayed tissues as all test groups advanced in age. Oxidative modification of proteins in brain and kidney tissues showed similar trend. This age-related biochemical manifestation may be as a result of increased generation of free radicals at mitochondrial level or decreased anti-oxidant defenses as living organisms advance in age.

Sleep is a natural periodic state of rest essential for normal psychophysiologic responses. This study revealed the influence of sleep on ingestive behavior, glucose homeostasis and primary examination performance. Six hundred children between 10 to 12 years of age were sampled. The study design included 4 groups, a to d, comprising 150 samples each. Sleep duration was 8pm to 6am, 10pm to 6am, 12am to 6am and 2am to 6am for groups a, b, c and d respectively. The results were collected after careful observation and scientific experimentation. Statistical analysis revealed values to be significantly different (P≤0.05) compared to group a. There was an inverse relationship between duration of sleep, quantity of food ingested and blood glucose level. As the duration of sleep was increased, there was a corresponding improvement in primary examination performance and blood glucose homeostasis. From the outcome of this study, sleep duration may influence ingestive behavior, blood glucose level and primary examination performance.

Cadmium disrupts the blood-testes barrier, interferes with various antioxidant levels thus enhancing lipid peroxidation and ultimately leading to apoptosis and necrosis of testicular tissue. Moringa oleifera is a medicinal plant and a rich source of essential phytochemicals possessing antioxidant properties. The effect of aqueous leaf extract of M. oleifera on reproductive function following cadmium chloride induced oxidative stress in male Wistar rats was investigated. Forty adult male Wistar rats were assigned into five groups of eight rats each. Treatment was administered orally daily as follows: Group 1 (control): animal feed and tap water ad libitum; Group 2: 5 mg kg-1 cadmium chloride for 21 days; Group 3: 500 mg kg-1 of M. oleifera and 5 mg kg-1 of cadmium chloride for 21 days; Group 4: 5 mg kg-1 cadmium chloride for 21 days followed by 500 mg kg-1 M. oleifera for the next 35 days; Group 5: 5 mg kg-1 cadmium chloride for 21 days followed by 750 mg kg-1 M. oleifera for the next 35 days. At the end of treatment, blood was obtained by direct cardiac puncture for fertility hormone assay and testicular tissue specimens were harvested for semen analysis and determination of antioxidant levels. Results obtained indicated that rats treated with the various extracts had significantly increased superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and catalase levels, increased serum concentrations of testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone and increased percentage of viable and normal spermatozoa compared to control and only cadmium chloride treated rats (p < 0.05). The results obtained suggest that treatments with M. oleifera extract could ameliorate possible cellular damage caused by administration of cadmium chloride.

Comparative assessment of methanolic extracts of Spondias mombin leaves and Curcuma longa rhizomes on Blood Glucose and Glycosylated Haemoglobin using male wistar rats as models was attempted. 90 rats divided into 9 groups of 10 rats each were used. Groups: 1: Untreated non diabetic; 2: Untreated diabetic; 3: diabetic + low dose (200mg/kg/b.w) Spondias mombin; 4: diabetic + high dose (400mg/kg/b.w) Spondias mombin; 5: diabetic + low dose (500mg/kg/b.w) Curcuma longa; 6: diabetic + high dose (1000mg/kg/b.w) Curcuma longa; 7: diabetic + low dose combined (200mg/kg/b.w) Spondias mombin and (500mg/kg/b.w) Curcuma longa; 8: diabetic + high dose combined (400mg/kg/b.w) Spondias mombin and (1000mg/kg/b.w) Curcuma longa; and diabetic + (0.6mg/kg/b.w) glibenclamide. Diabetes was induced intraperitonially using alloxan at 200mg/kg. Treatments with extracts were orally and for 42days. Blood was collected on day 43 by cardiac puncture for determination of blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin. A significant decrease in blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin concentrations was observed in all the treated groups compared to group 2 (p< 0.05). Groups 7 and 8 rats showed a significant reduction in blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin compared to groups 3 to 6 (p< 0.05). Spondias mombin apparently showed better anti-diabetic effects compared to Curcuma longa as seen amongst Groups 3 and 4 rats compared to Groups 5 and 6 rats. Result suggest that combined treatment with Spondias mombin and Curcuma longa may possess better anti-diabetic effects compared to administration of each singly. We recommend further studies in this regard. Keywords: Spondias mombin, curcuma longa, diabetes mellitus, alloxan