Background: Nitrocellulose thinner, a commonly used industrial solvent mixture, contains aromatic hydrocarbons, which are known to have toxicological effects. Objective: There is a dearth of information on haematological effects due to subchronic exposure and the extent of recovery following withdrawal. In this study, the effects of subchronic inhalation of nitrocellulose thinner vapour (NCTV) and its withdrawal on haematological parameters in male Wistar rats were evaluated. Methods: Twenty-four male rats divided into 3 groups (n=8) were used for the study. Group I (control, no exposure), Group II (90-day NCTV exposure), Group III (90-day exposure with 90-day withdrawal). Haematological indices (white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), platelet (PLT) counts, haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), and erythrocyte indices (MCH and MCHC) were evaluated using automated haematological analysis. Results: Exposure to NCTV led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in WBC count (19.85 ± 7.64). Following withdrawal, WBC levels reduced (13.56 ± 4.30). In contrast, there was no significant (p < 0.05) change in RBC and PLT counts due to exposure, but withdrawal led to a significant (p < 0.05) decline in both parameters. Also, MCH and MCHC were not significantly affected due to exposure, but withdrawal led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in both parameters. Conclusion: Subchronic NCTV exposure induces a biphasic haematological response characterised by transient inflammation and delayed suppression of erythropoiesis and thrombopoiesis. These findings highlight the persistence of toxic effects beyond exposure and underscore the importance of post-exposure monitoring in solvent-exposed populations.

Background Diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder and many medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine to manage it. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Vernonia calvoana ( V. calvoana ) extract fractions on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat models. In this study, we first investigated the binding affinity of ligands from extracts of V. calvoana crystal structure proteins using a molecular docking approach. Furthermore, the in silico predictions were validated by in vitro and in vivo biochemical evaluations to ascertain the efficacy of these extract fractions. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the fractions was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP, SOD, and LPx scavenging. For biological activity, extract fractions of V. calvoana and metformin (400 mg and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively) were administered to diabetic rats for 21 days after induction and confirmation of diabetes. Results The radical scavenger activities of the fractions showed a good dose-dependent reaction activity. A significant reduction in hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity was observed in all experimental treated groups. Improved hematological and histopathological changes were also observed. Conclusion The In silico analyses revealed that all the compounds from extract fractions of V . calvoana have varying binding affinity for PFK and lipoprotein lipase, with some showing higher affinity than the standard drug, further validating the biological activity of the plant. The results of this study indicated that V. calvoana extracts might have potential value in treating complications arising from diabetes mellitus.

Background and objective Eremomastax speciosa and Eremomastax polysperma plants potentially contain bioactive principles against reproductive toxicants and oxidative stress. Thus, the ameliorative action of methanol and ethyl acetate fractions of E. speciosa and E. polysperma leaves on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and oxidative-stressed states in indomethacin-induced rat tissues have been performed.Materials and methods The dried-leaf extract of E .speciosa and E. polysperma was subjected to liquid–liquid fractionation to obtain the ethyl acetate and methanol fractions. The ethyl acetate and methanol fractions were respectively administered orally to rats (200 mg/kg), 30 min, and 10 h after subcutaneous injection with indomethacin (5 mg/kg) for 4 days. The postadministration of E. speciosa and E. polysperma fractions was used to determine their effect on ovarian and serum COX-2 concentration, ovarian malondialdehyde, and ovarian nitric oxide concentrations.Results and conclusion E. speciosa and E. polysperma fractions significantly (P<0.05) increased the concentration of COX-2 in ovaries and serum compared with the group treated with indomethacin only. Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in all the animal groups posttreated with plant fractions compared with indomethacin only. Histological assessment of the ovary showed proliferating ovarian follicles and mature Graafian follicles in the groups treated with the plant fractions, while the indomethacin-only group showed scanty primary follicles. These results showed that E. speciosa and E. polysperma leaf fractions mediated their protective effect on the ovaries and serum through the regulated COX-2 action and inhibited indomethacin-induced oxidative stress.

Edible palm oil has been the parity of the human diet from generation to generation and has contributed both to nutrition and health. These studies investigated some selected heavy metals and physicochemical parameters in palm oil. Eleven (11) samples of ready-consumed edible palm oil were bought randomly from the selected market in calabar metropolis. The samples were digested with 25ml of concentrated H2SO4, for heavy metals analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The physiochemical parameters in selected markets include the following FFA, IV, PV, and protein content were also analyzed using standard methods. The results showed that FFA value range from 9.26 to 12%, Iodine value range from 45.78 to 21.40 MgKOH/g, Peroxide value range from 3.60 to 0.03 Meq/kg, and protein content ranges from 0.06 to 0.2 mg were significantly (p<0.05) higher in some markets in comparison to the control. The results of heavy metals showed that Zn 8.06±0.06, Cd 1.01±0.05, N 1.00±0.00, C 125.91±0.09, Pb 9.30±0.07 Cobalt, Lead zinc were above the detectable limit of the WHO standard while Cd and Ni were within the permissibility limit. The results obtained from this study indicate that the palm oil sold in calabar metropolis may cause a public health risk if proper monitoring is not maintained by regulatory agencies. Thus, there is a need for improved screening of our local processed palm oil from the time of production to the time of consumption.

Objectives: Dareta village in Zamfara state of Nigeria is one of the villages plagued with the lead (Pb) poisoning crisis of 2010. Dareta and neighboring villages were remediated by simple excavation of topsoil rich in Pb, and burying same in landfills. This study was embarked to assess the physicochemical parameters of some sources of water supply and possible health impacts on humans. Material and Methods: The village was imaginarily mapped into three sites; Residential Homes (Site 1), Markets and Village Squares (Site 2), and Farms with Irrigation Facilities (Site 3). From the three sites, a total of 30 water samples (10 shallow wells, 10 boreholes, and 10 stream/surface water) were randomly collected, according to availability. The physical parameters (Temperature, Conductivity, and Total Dissolved Solids [TDS]) were assessed in situ using a conductivity/TDS meter (model 44600.00, HACH, USA), the assessment of pH was also carried out in situ using an electronic pH meter, (pH 210 micro-processor, Hanna Instrument, USA). The evaluation of heavy metals concentration (Pb, cadmium [Cd], chromium [Cr], and manganese) was done using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (modelAA-6800, Schemadzu, Japan). Results: In groundwater (boreholes and wells), the mean temperature and conductivity were higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) safety levels for “drinking water,” while those of TDS and pH were within the limits. In surface water (streams), the assessed physical parameters were not higher than the WHO safety limits, while the concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cr were above the drinking water guidelines. The risk implication in the human populations consuming the water was determined using the estimated average daily intake (EADI) and the target hazard quotient (THQ). The EADI for Pb, Cd, and Cr for all the water sources in both adult and children consumer populations exceeded the reference dose by US-EPA. The THQ for Pb, Cd, and Cr in both adult and children consumer populations were >1. Conclusion: These findings portend toxicity and increased hazards for the human populations that source their drinking water from the borehole, well, and stream in this village.

Endocrine disruptors affect biological systems, some as neglected home producing toxicity (NHPT). We investigated the effect of morin on diethyl phthalate (DEP) and bisphenol S (BPS)-induced hematotoxicity and oxidative stress using a rat model. Rats were exposed to DEP (50 μg/kg) and BPS (200 μg/kg) and treated with morin (25 and 50 mg/kg) by oral gavage for twenty-one days. Afterwards, they were sacrificed. Morin treatment significantly (p < 0.05) protected red blood cells and plasma membrane architecture by abolishing the DEP+BPS-induced decrease in the activity of all the hematological indices. Co-treatment with morin remarkably (p < 0.05) reversed DEP+BPS-induced decreases in glutathione levels, CAT, GPx, and SOD activities in red blood cells, while attenuating DEP+BPS mediated increase in hemato-oxidative damage markers (MDA and NO levels). Collectively, the different acute doses of morin might avert DEP and BPS-mediated hematotoxicity dysfunctions via its antioxidant, free-radical scavenging effect.

The fascinating potentials of some medicinal plants in the management of disease and other related complications cannot be over emphasized. Thus, this study investigated the restoration potentials of the ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of P. bicalyculata leaf extract on experimental rat models. A total of thirty five (35) albino Wistar rats were used for the study. They were randomly divided into 7 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1, the standard control, received 250mg/kg body weight (b.wt) of the anti-diabetic drug, Metformin, group 2 and 3 received 200 and 400mg/kg b.wt of the methanol fraction of P. bicalyculata, (group 4 and 5 received 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt of the ethyl acetate fraction of P. bicalyculata while groups6 and 7 were diabetic and normal control, respectively. There was a significant decrease (p 0.01) differences in the sex hormones (testosterone, LH and FSH). Conclusion: The results obtained in the present study provide the scientific rationale of the anti-diabetic potentials of the plant extract on the management of diabetics.

The aim of this study was designed to evaluate the activity of the Kigelia Pinnata ethanolic leaf extract on the serum lipid profile of male albino Wistar rats exposed to a fat diet. Kigelia Pinnata leaves were obtained, air dried, powdered and extracted in a Soxhlet apparatusin 400ml ethanol solution. Hypolipidaemic activity studies on rat models fed with palm oil and coconut milk was conducted. The acute toxicity test of the extract was carried out by the lorke's method. Results showed that Kigelia Pinnata ethanolic leaf extract significantly lowered (P<0.05) plasma Total Cholesterol (TC), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)-Cholesterol and Triacylglycerol (TG) and significantly (P<0.05) increased plasma High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)-Cholesterol. Toxicity studies suggested that, the extract was safe at the doze 2000mg/kg. Overall findings from this study showed that the ethanolic extract exhibited hypolipidaemic activity and may possess cardio-protective properties.

Aims: To Determine the proximate composition and phytochemicals constituents of Corchorus olitorious leaves harvested in ugep, Cross River State. The leaves were purchased locally. Methodology: The leaves were washed to remove sand and other particles like pieces of wood which may act as contaminants, thereafter the leaves were dried to a certain temperature. The dried leaves were blended into powder using a standard method of AOAC (2005) (Association of analytical chemist). Evaluation of Corchorus Oliterous for proximate and phytochemical composition were conducted using standard methods. Results: The result obtained on the proximate composition of Corchorus Oliterious revealed the following; Moisture (84.40±0.10 mg/100g), Ash (2.90±0.10 mg/100g), Protein (4.66±0.02 mg/100g), Fibre (2.70±0.10 mg/100g), Fat (4.30±0.10 mg/100g) and Carbohydrate (85.10±0.02 mg/100g). The phytochemical analysis of the leaf extracts of Corchorus olitorious which was done both Qualitatively and quantitatively revealed the presence of alkaloids (2.40±0.10 mg/100g), glycoside (2.53±0.01 mg/100g), saponins (3.32±0.02 mg/100g), Tannins (0.47±0.01 mg/100g), flavonoid (6.30±0.10 mg/100g), reducing compounds (4.60±0.02 mg/100g) and polyphenols (6.50±0.02 mg/100g). Conclusion: the leafy vegetables of this plant if consume in sufficient amount would contribute greatly to the nutritional requirement for human health.

Background: Heavy metals contamination has been reported at petrol station environments. There is a possibility of contamination foods around petrol stations. Objectives: In this study, the concentrations of Pb, Cd and Cr, long term exposure and daily consumption of ready-to-eat food foods sold at Petrol station’s Atmospheric conditions (AF) in Calabar Metropolis was evaluated. Methods: Foods samples, including such prepared ready-to-eat foods were collected at the point of sale at the fuel stations in Calabar Nigeria, about 7:00am in the morning before they were opened for sale (and exposed to the environment of the filling stations). These were labelled “Before”. At about 2:00pm to 3:00pm same day, the same ready-to-eat food samples were collected again at the same spots, for a duration of 3 months. Results: In this study, the levels of Pb, Cd and Cr were determined in some ready-to-eat foods that are sold around the filling station environments in Calabar metropolis. The results obtained showed that the levels of Pb and Cd were significantly (p<0.05) increased in garri, afang soup, melon soup, white rice, beans, stew and meat pie, while the level of and Cr was significantly (p<0.05) increased in afang soup, melon soup, white rice, beans, stew and meat pie after 6 hours of exposure to petrol station’s atmospheric conditions. Conclusion: From this study, it may be concluded that exposure of ready-to-eat foods at the filling station’s atmospheric conditions may cause heavy metal contamination to the foods, particularly Pb, Cd and Cr.

Improving technology has led to more dependence on agricultural pesticides and herbicides in the fight against pests. These pesticides have been shown to have harmful effects on man and other species. In this study, the hepatic effect of exposure to cypermethrin and dimethoate mixture (uppercott) was investigated in female albino wistar rats. Thirty (30) female wistar albino rats were distributed into five (5) groups of six (6) animals each. Groups 1 and 2 served as the normal control and oil control respectively, groups 3, 4 and 5 received 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% LD50 of uppercott orally for 28 days. Results obtained revealed that uppercott exposure significantly (p 0.05) compared to the control. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly (p<0.05) reduced across all test groups as compared with compared with control. Histology of liver tissues revealed patchy necrotic sessions in the liver tissues of the test experimental groups (2.5%, 5% and 7.5%). The results obtained from this study are strongly indicative of the hepatotoxic effect of uppercott pesticide and hence, caution during usage is advised.

1. Abstract This study determined some female serum sex hormones, litter size, birth weight and tail lengths of offspring’s delivered by rats orally exposed to crude oil and concomitantly administered vitamins E and C, respectively; using o ne hundred and two (102) albino Wistar rats (24 males and 78 females), weighing 160 to l80g. The rats were respectively distributed into six groups, with seventeen rats (four males and thirteen females) in each group. Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 animals were given distilled water, 600 IU/kg of vitamin C only, 400 IU/kg of vitamin E only, 60mg/kg bow of crude oil only, 60mg/kg bow of crude oil with concomitant administration of 400 IU/kg of vitamin E, and 60mg/kg bow of crude oil with concomitant administration of 600 IU/kg of vitamin C orally for 30 days, respectively. After 30 days, five female rats from each group were sacrificed and blood serum collected for sex hormonal assay. The remaining rats were mated (one male to two females) until pregnancy was observed, after which they were withdrawn from experimental treatments. On delivery, the litter size for each group was recorded, total body weight and tail length of each litter were measured at birth and at weekly intervals for six weeks. The results of this study showed that crude oil produced a significant (p<0.05) decrease in serum estradiol and progesterone levels in female rats, compared to control; and that vitamins C and E attenuated this effect by producing a significant increase in the hormonal levels of rats exposed to crude oil. Also, a significant (p<0.05) decrease in litter size was recorded for rats given crude oil only, compared to the control. The mean total body weight of the litters delivered by rats treated with crude oil, at birth was insignificantly lower, compared to those in control. However, the weekly mean total body weight of the litters from the group treated with crude oil, for six weeks, was significantly (p<0.05) lower, compared to the litters from rats in the control group. Also, the mean tail length of the litters delivered by rats treated with crude oil, at birth and weekly for six weeks were insignificantly (p>0.05) lower, compared respectively, to the control group at corresponding intervals. The results also indicated that administration of vitamins C and E, respectively, to rats exposed to crude oil produced a significant reversal of the crude oil-induced decrease in litter size, birth weight and litter tail lengths in rats. It may therefore be concluded that vitamins C and E may be used to ameliorate crude oil-induced reproductive toxicity (decreased serum estradiol and progesterone, litter size, birth weights and tail length) in rats. 2. Keywords : Crude Oil; Litter Size; Litter Weight, Litter Tail Length, Serum Sex Hormones.

Aim: Bioactive constituents of n-hexane and methanol fractions of Vernonia calvoana (VC) leaves were evaluated using Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry. Method: The leaves were harvested, cleaned and air dried for 7 days. They were ground to yield 5kg weight powder which was macerated and extracted in 8000 mL of 80% ethanol for 48 hours, yielding 310.3g (6.2%) of crude extract after evaporation of the solvent. The paste (251.8g) was subjected to column chromatography over silica gel (mesh 60 – 120μm) and eluted with 1.5L of n-hexane and methanol respectively. The fractions were analyzed for bioactive constituents using Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) (30m x 0.25mm ID x 0.25μm film thickness). Result: The results of GC-MS analysis showed the presences of twelve compounds with phytol (46.67%), 8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid (33.40%), octadecanoic acid (11.25%), pentadecane carboxylic acid (10.69%), 9, 12, 15-octadecatrien-1-ol (8.12%) and ethyl palmitate (7.68%) in the n-hexane fraction, while methanol fraction was observed to have 14 compounds with oleic acid (33.40%), hexadecanoic acid (12.49%), 2-butanone (14.32%), palmitadehyde (8.36%), 11-octadecenoic acid (5.56%), Z-4-nonadecen-1-ol-acetate (5.36%) and limonene Oxide (4.37%) as well as other compounds in trace concentrations. Conclusion: it may be concluded from the results that, extracts of Vernonia calvoana contain various bioactive components that may be exploited as a good source of new drug for pharmaceutical industries.

Background and Objective: Crude oil has been reported to cause various toxic effects in the body.And vitamins C and E are among the antioxidants known to play important role in attenuating chemical toxicants-induced toxicities in the biological systems.This study aimed at assessing the protective effect of vitamin C against crude oil induced atherosclerosis in rats.Materials and Methods: Twenty four male albino Wistar rats, weighing 150-180 g, used in this study were distributed into four groups (1, 2, 3 and 4), with 6 rats each.Group 3 animals were orally administered 60 mg of NBLCO kgG 1 b.wt., while group 4 animals were orally administered 60 mg NBLCO kgG 1 b.wt.and co-administered 200.0 mg of vitamin C kgG 1 b.wt., of the rats daily for 30 days.The animals in groups 1 and 2 served as the controls receiving only distilled water and vitamin C, respectively.At end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected through cardiac puncture for plasma lipid profile analyses.Total plasma cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and atherogenic indices were determined in rats orally exposed to Nigerian Bonny light crude oil (NBLCO) and co-administered vitamin C. Results: The results of the study showed that exposure to crude oil is a risk factor for atherosclerosis by producing a significant (p<0.05)increase in plasma TC, TG, LDL and VLDL levels and the evaluated atherogenic indices (Group 3), compared to the control (Group 1).The plasma TC, TG, LDL, VLDL levels and the atherogenic indices recorded for rats exposed to NBLCO and co-administered vitamin C (Group 4) were significantly (p<0.05)lower, compared to the rats exposed to NBLCO only (Group 3).Conclusion: This study demonstrated that vitamin C is capable of providing protection against crude oil induced atherosclerotic conditions by regulating serum lipids profiles and atherogenic indices in rats.It may be concluded that vitamin C is potent in preventing cardiovascular disorders associated with crude oil induced atherosclerotic conditions.

Background: The use of herbicides and pesticides in agriculture and for public health purposes has led to harmful effects in many non-target species including man.Methods: In this study, the hepatic effect of exposure to cypermethrin and dimethoate mixture (uppercott) was investigated in male albino wistar rats. Forty five (45) male wistar albino rats were distributed into five (5) groups of nine (9) animals each. Groups 1 and 2 served as the normal control and oil control respectively, groups 3, 4 and 5 received 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% LD50 of uppercott orally for 28 days.Results: Results obtained revealed that uppercott exposure significantly (p<0.05) increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity when the test groups were compared with control. Also, uppercott exposure raised serum bilirubin concentration slightly insignificantly compared to the control. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly reduced across all test groups as compared with compared with control. Histology of liver tissues revealed patchy necrotic sessions in the liver tissues of the test experimental groups (2.5%, 5% and 7.5%).Conclusion: The results obtained from this study are strongly indicative of the hepatotoxic effect of uppercott pesticide and hence, caution during usage is advised.

In this study, the effect of Uppercott was investigated in parents and first generation offspring of albino Wistar rats. The rats were distributed into ten groups of nine (9) rats each, five groups each for male and female rats respectively. Groups 1 & 2 were taken as normal and oil control respectively for both male and female rats, groups three (3) to five (5) were given 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% of LD50 Uppercott value for 28 days. The rats were then mated in the ratio of 2:3 (2 male rats to 3 female rats) until pregnancy was established. Result indicated that Uppercott exposure produced a significant (p

This study is aimed at evaluating the biochemical effects and antioxidants activity of extracts of Vernoia calvoana Hook. f (V.C) on STZ induced diabetic rats. Thirty-six rats weighing (100 to 150 g), were divided into 6 groups of 6 animals each. Groups 1 and 2 representing normal and diabetic controls (NC and DC), respectively, receiving placebo, while groups 3 to 6 represented diabetic treated, receiving 500 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) metformin, 400 mg/kg b.w. crude, n-hexane and methanol fractions of V.C, respectively. Treament with drug and extracts of V.C showed a decrease in fasting blood glucose (FBG) in all experimental groups and was significant (p<0.05) on the 7th day of the experimental period, compared to diabetic control. Progressive increase in body weight was observed in all experimental groups compared to DC group. A significant (p<0.05) increase in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) activities were recorded in all experimental treated animal compared to DC and NC. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was observed to decrease significant (p<0.05) in all experimental groups compared to DC. Histopathologically, the changes in pancreatic integrity were consistent with that of biochemical findings. It may be concluded that, extracts of V.C possess potent ameliorative activity against STZ-induced diabetes, via a potential free radical mopping activity. Key words: Vernonia calvoana, extracts, diabetes mellitus, antioxidants.

Effect of vitamins C (vitamin C) and E (vitamin E) on nitrocellulose thinner (NCT)-induced nephrotoxicity in male rats was assessed. Six groups of six rats each, were orally administered 0.5 ml distilled water, 0.5 ml soybean oil, 40.0 mg NCT/kg bwt, 40.0 mg NCT/kg bwt+200 mg vitamin C/kg bwt, 40.0 mg NCT/kg bwt+200 IU vitamin E/kg bwt, and 40.0 mg NCT/kg bwt+200 IU vitamin E+200 mg vitamin C/kg bwt, respectively, for 30 days. The animals were sacrificed, 24 hours after last experimental treatments, blood and kidney tissues were collected for analyses of indicators of nephrotoxicity using standard methods. The results showed a significant (p 0.05) difference was recorded for these parameters in rats receiving soybean oil, compared with control rats receiving distilled water. These results indicated that exposure to NCT induced nephrotoxicity in rats. It was also observed that administration of vitamin C and vitamin E, in combination and singly, to rats exposed to NCT produced relatively normal renal histological status, and levels of the assayed serum nephrotoxicity indicators within the control range; suggesting vitamin C and vitamin E to be potent in preventing NCT-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. However, comparative percentage decreases (CPD) in sCr, uric acid, K+ and HCO3 - indicated that combined vitamin C and vitamin E administration produced a higher protective potency than single administration; and that vitamin C produced a higher potency than vitamin E against NCT-induced nephrotoxicity.