Bio-Research

Kidney function assessment in wistar rats: The role of Dalium guineense and Annona muricata in modulating water balance, urinary biomarkers, and kidney histology

2024-11-30T14:28:04+00:00

This study assessed the renal effects of Dialium guineense and Annona muricata extracts on female Wistar rats, exploring their potential roles in kidney health. Given limited research on these extracts’ impacts on kidney biomarkers and tissue structure, this study investigated water balance, renal biomarkers, and kidney histology after 30 days of treatment. Rats were divided into four groups: Dialium guineense (100 mg/kg), Annona muricata (100 mg/kg), a combination (50 mg/kg each), and a control. Following 30 days of exposure, water and urine output were measured, with urine samples analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively for protein, creatinine, and protein/creatinine ratios. Blood samples were collected, and kidney tissue was obtained following standard methods for histological examination. Results showed an increased urinary protein across all treated groups, with Dialium guineense showing the highest levels. Urinary creatinine levels decreased, especially in the Dialium guineense group, leading to elevated protein-creatinine ratios in both Dialium guineense and Annona muricata groups. Blood analysis showed slight but non-significant increases in uric acid and magnesium, a slight calcium increases in the Annona muricata group, and a significant sodium decrease in the combination treatment group. Histological examination revealed intact kidney structure, indicating no nephrotoxicity from the treatments. These findings suggest that, while the extracts affect specific renal biomarkers, they do not compromise kidney structure, supporting their potential as safe options in traditional medicine. Further studies are recommended to explore their long-term safety and mechanisms of action.

Biochemical markers of acute kidney injury and hepatic function in gestational diabetes mellitus: A comparative study

2024-12-02T00:57:38+00:00

One-third of diabetics develop renal and liver disease, which costs global health systems money and resources. The study examines hepatic indices, duration, and glucose levels and assesses neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a sensitive marker for acute kidney injury (AKI) in gestational diabetes. This study recruited 30 non-gestational pregnant hospital ante-natal clinic patients and 30 non-diabetic controls without pregnancy. Standard techniques were used to collect and analyze fasting blood sugar, renal, and hepatic biomarkers. Significant findings were determined by conducting statistical analysis with P <0.05. Gestational diabetes (GDM) and pregnant women without gestational diabetes (PNGDM) showed significantly higher levels (p<0.05) of NGAL, urea, and creatinine compared to non-pregnant women without diabetes (NPNDM). Compared to women without pregnancy or diabetes (NPNDM), there was a significant difference in mean values of fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutaryl glutaminase transferase (GGT) among gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and PNGDM (p<0.05). NGAL had a higher AUROC of 0.684 compared to urea and creatinine. This study shows the significance of plasma NGAL levels as a biomarker for AKI in gestational diabetes. Furthermore, the findings of this study reveal that derangements in hepatic parameters are extensively co-existent in GDM.

Providencia rettgeri and Sporosarcina koreensis as efficient cell factories for valorization of palm oil mill effluent to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates

2024-12-03T18:29:54+00:00

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are versatile carbon-neutral, eco-friendly biopolymers that can replace highly polluting petroleum plastics. Microorganisms accumulate PHAs in response to stress. Unfortunately, PHA is more expensive than plastics due to high cost of feedstock. Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) an abundant waste from oil palm production can support sustainable production of PHA using appropriate microorganism. Fresh and naturally acidified POME were used as negative-cost feedstock to produce PHA using novel bacteria. Six of 247 isolates obtained from POME / dumpsite soil efficiently accumulated between 19 and 72% PHA. Two isolates that accumulated the most polymers were identified as Providencia rettgeri and Sporosarcina koreensis. At optimum yield they accumulated respectively 4.2g/L (72% of 5.8g/L biomass) and 3.4g/L (66% of 5.15g/L biomass) in POME at 72hours. Optimization studies show that pH 6, C:N ratio, 25:1, titratable acidity, 0.39% for both isolates, and inoculum size, 10% v/v for Providencia rettgeri and 5% v/v for Sporosarcina koreensis gave maximum concentration of PHA at 72hours. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and GC-MS analysis of the polymer accumulated by both isolates identified the products as a poly-hydroxyl-butyrate (PHB). This work is reporting for the first time the use of P. rettgeri and S. koreensis in sustainable processes to valorize major agricultural pollutant to value-added high-cost biochemical. The yield of PHA by these isolates on POME feedstock is promising enough to serve as basis for sustainable industrial process. The waste effluent is reduced for COD and pollution potential and may safely be discharged to environment.

Evaluation of antioxidant and anti-lipase activities of Centrosema pubescens Benth aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts

2024-12-09T02:50:59+00:00

There is a correlation between obesity and oxidative stress, which is characterized by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the free radical scavengers in the body. This imbalance arises as a result of fat accumulation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the bioactive components, free radical scavenging activity in vitro, and anti-lipase activity of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Centrosema pubescens Benth. Both the aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts produced a yield of 15.79% and 8.03% respectively, after being air-dried, blended to powder, extracted with solvent and dried to paste using a water bath. Both extracts contained bioactive substances such as proteins, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and alkaloids. The ethanol extract had higher amounts of these compounds than the water extract did. The extract samples displayed modest in-vitro scavenging capabilities for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) radicals, as well as ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity compared to the standard compound, ascorbic acid. Furthermore, the ethanol extract displayed a more pronounced inhibitory influence on pancreatic lipase, a key enzyme in lipid digestion, suggesting its potential in obesity control through the lowering of fat absorption. The research underlines the importance of solvent selection in maximizing the extraction of bioactive components and boosting the therapeutic effectiveness of herbal remedies.

Resistance of ten elite African yam bean cultivars to the bean weevil Callosobruchus maculatus

2024-12-18T06:28:20+00:00

The African yam bean Sphenostylis stenocarpa is a nutritious under-exploited legume from Africa, with a potential to contribute greatly towards food security. The seed of this crop is attacked by the bean weevil Callosobruchus maculatus during storage, which can render them unfit for consumption or replanting. Insect-resistant varieties would be ideal and desired as these will require little or no additional costs for insecticides from farmers and will offer immense and long-term health, economic and environmental benefits to the farmers and consumers. In this study, standard procedures were followed to ascertain the resistance of 10 elite S. stenocarpa cultivars to stored product insect pests, C. maculatus and the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais. Under conditions of natural infestation, seven (7) tropical S. stenocarpa accessions (TSs 9, 10, 33, 60, 93, 126 & 349) were resistant to C. maculatus and had no infestation at all while 3 accessions (TSs 23, 111 & 116) were susceptible. When the accessions were subjected to intentional infestation with C. maculatus, they showed varying levels of resistance, with TSs 93 as the most resistant accessions and TSs 23 as the least resistant accession. The maize weevil, S. zeamais however failed to establish on S. stenocarpa seeds. While lectin has been implicated in insect resistance by S. stenocarpa, this study found no significant correlation between lectin and the resistance of different accessions. Elite cultivars of the African yam bean S. stenocarpa that are resistant to its major insect pest C. maculatus have been identified in this study. These resistant cultivars will be of significance to future breeding programmes and food security in developing tropical countries and beyond.

Dialium guineense fruit pulp-mediated electrolyte modulation in prophylactic intervention of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in albino rats

2024-12-28T06:31:51+00:00

Gastric ulcer is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders that is characterized by lesions of the mucous membrane that perforate the wall of the stomach. The aetiologies of the disease include alcohol abuse, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and infection by H. pylori. This study examined the gastroprotective effects of Dialium guineense fruit pulp extract and fractions on electrolyte profiles in ethanol-induced ulcerated rats, respectively, with acute and sub-acute models. This was done to determine the potential mechanism of this plant in the therapeutic effect through its effect on sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) levels in maintaining electrolyte balance during ulceration. The level of sodium and chloride showed a significant increase, p < 0.05, in the ulcer control group, which indicates electrolyte imbalance. Treatment with Dialium guineense resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in such ions and, hence, may reverse electrolyte imbalance. Fractions of the extract showed significant (p<0.05) increase in the modulation of electrolyte balance, especially in maintaining normal levels of sodium and chloride. The potassium and bicarbonate remained stable in the acute phase of the study but showed dramatic improvements in the sub-acute phase of the study, with fractions restoring near-normal potassium levels and reducing the concentration of bicarbonate. These findings suggest that Dialium guineense possesses significant gastroprotective properties, possibly by the mediation through regulation of electrolyte profiles, and could therefore serve as a promising candidate in the management of ulcers. Further studies are recommended to elucidate the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these effects.

Effect of chemical and biological pesticides on soil microbial population, enzymatic activities and physicochemical parameters as indicators of soil fertility, soil health and food safety

2025-01-07T22:14:23+00:00

In agricultural fields, insect pests are regularly controlled with pesticides in an effort to boost crop yields and alleviate food scarcity. Along with non-target microbial floral and soil physicochemical characteristics, these herbicides also impact the activity and abundance of useful soil microbial communities. Significant ecological repercussions follow from this. Assessing the impact of chemical and biological pesticides on microbial population, enzymatic activities and physicochemical parameters as indicators of soil fertility with a view to promoting soil health and food safety was the aim of this investigation. Soil samples treated with chemical and biological pesticide were evaluated. Microbial counts were carried out by soil dilution plate technique. The enzymatic activities, soil respiration and physicochemical parameters of the soil were done using standard procedures. Microbial population of treated and untreated soil samples ranged from 2.15 ± 0.81 × 10³to 3.40 ± 0.20 × 10⁶ CFU/mL, enzymatic activities (0.00 ± 0.00 to 0.16 ± 0.00 µg), soil respiration (10.15 ± 1.07 to 17.00 ± 0.90 mg/kg), and physiochemical parameters (0.10 ± 0.00 to 177.28 ± 2.00 mg/kg). The application of biological pesticides; tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), titonia (T.diversifolia), and neems (Azadirachta indica) extracts singly or in combination and most importantly in combination with 10% chemical pesticides when compare to application of 100% chemical pesticides provided optimal microbial population, enzymatic activities and physiochemical parameters which are indictors of excellent soil fertility. This study has revealed the need for farmers to consider the use of the combination of biological pesticides and 10% percentage of chemical pesticides in order to reduce the deleterious effect of 100% use of chemical pesticides and promote soil fertility and health for better food quality and safety.

Effect of substrates and water supply on the survival and growth of Beilschmiedia mannii

2025-01-07T22:32:45+00:00

Beilschmiedia mannii (spicy cedar) is an underutilized agroforestry species despite its organs being used for food, energy, and to cure various ailments. Very little effort has been made towards its domestication and the development of techniques for its production. An experiment was conducted in Benin, to evaluate the effect of substrate and water supply on B. mannii’s survival and growth. A factorial design with two factors was set up in a randomized complete block with three replications. Three substrate types under five watering levels were tested. Data on collar diameter, and total height were collected over 4 months and used to calculate the current growth rates, which were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. The findings indicated that the species exhibited a generally sluggish rate of growth, with height increasing by less than 1 cm per month and collar diameter expanding by under 0.4 mm each month. This trend was consistent, irrespective of the type of substrate or the frequency of watering. Although no statistically significant effect was found between the modalities of the factors in isolation and their interaction on current height growth, the combinations of a watering every two days with sandy-loamy substrate mixed with cow dung and a watering every five days with bokashi substrate exhibited the best height growth performances, with increases of 0.22 cm and 0.24 cm per week, respectively. The availability of water has proven to be crucial for both survival rates and the growth of collar diameter, highlighting how essential water is for B. mannii.

Field evaluation of selected hybrid Dioscorea rotundata Poir (white yam) for tuber yield in two selected locations in South-eastern Nigeria

2025-01-16T03:30:13+00:00

Diascorea rotundata Poir (yam) is a primary staple food for many Nigerians, and the country produces the highest percentage of the crop in the world. Its efficiency is influenced by both genotypic traits and environmental factors. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with nine treatments of yam genotypes and three replications to evaluate tuber yield of the nine genotypes across two locations in one growing season. Propagation was done by cutting each tuber into several pieces of approximately 150g each.

The study was carried out at the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) research farm Umudike, Abia State and Faculty of agriculture research farm Abakaliki, Ebonyi State University (EBSU). The analysis of the genotypes showed some variations within and across the locations; genotypes grown in Abakaliki were superior in the length of vines (cm), while those grown in Umudike were superior in germination percentage and vine girth. At harvest those in Abakaliki recorded total mean yield of 8 tubers and 3.17kg tuber weight, while those in Umudike recorded mean yield of 12 tubers and mean weight of 5.20kg. Across the locations TDr1401785 recorded the highest yield performance with mean yield of 19 tubers while TDr1000021 recorded the least with mean yield of 4 tubers. TDr1400359 recorded the maximum tuber size with mean weight of 6.8kg while TDr8902665 recorded the least with mean weight of 1.17kg. Applying diverse environmental and physicochemical conditions to study yam genotypes is essential for improving production techniques and optimizing breeding methods for better performance.

Impact of animal dung on soil pH and microbiota: A study of two medium-scale livestock farms in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria

2025-01-24T07:18:10+00:00

This study investigated the impact of animal-dung on soil pH and microbiota. Soil samples from five different livestock litters were collected from two medium-scale livestock farms in Ibadan, Oyo-State. These included litter-free soil with pH 7 (control), and soil samples from dungs of poultry, pig, goat and cattle. Physicochemical properties of each soil sample were assessed according to Association Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC) procedures. Total bacterial count and total fungi count of each sample were determined using standard pour plate technique. Fungi and soil health-indicator bacteria including cellulolytic, amylolytic, proteolytic, phosphate-solubilizing, nitrogen-fixing bacteria and actinobacteria were isolated and identified using cultural characteristics, biochemical tests and molecular techniques. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p = 0.05. Results showed that pH value was lowest (5.48) in cattle dung soil and highest (5.78) in pig dung soil. Cellulolytic, amylolytic, proteolytic, phosphate-solubilizing, nitrogen-fixing bacteria and actinobacteria were identified. Microbial analyses showed that soil samples from pig dung had relatively higher count (65.5 x 10⁶CFU/ml) of heterotrophic bacteria and total fungi count (15.75 x 10 ⁶CFU/g) than other soil samples. Isolates subjected to molecular identification were identified as P. aeruginosa, B. cereus, K. pneumoniae, B. substilis and B. thuringiensis with 99% similarity search identity. Statistical analysis revealed that relationship exists between the physicochemical parameters and microbes isolated as r > 0. This study established soil acidification caused by poorly managed litters which impact soil microbiota.

Toxicology of the renal indices of Wistar rats induced with leaf extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana

2025-01-31T20:52:21+00:00

Acalypha wilkesiana has been used in time past to treat various ailments that were not limited to skin infections, inflammation, or stomach ache. However, the safety and toxicity of the plant cannot be over emphasized. This study aimed to assess the toxicological effects on renal indices in Wistar rats induced with A. wilkesiana leaf, extracted with aqueous and methanol solvents using maceration method. Lorke's method was employed to determine oral toxicity (LD₅₀) of both extracts. Sixty-five rats (150 -180 g) were divided into seven groups of five rats each for toxicity study while thirty-five rats were placed in four groups of five rats each for biochemical analysis: the control designated group 1, were not given extract, groups 2, 3, and 4, were orally feed different doses of the leaf extracts each at 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days and blood recovered for analysis. Changes in body weight and kidney biochemical parameters were tracked as markers of toxicity. The results showed no signs of toxicity, significant changes in body weight, or death in any of the treated groups. Rats given leaf extracts had no discernible negative effects, as seen by changes in plasma non-protein nitrogen and electrolytes. This suggests that A. wilkesiana is relatively safe at the tested doses but may have influence on renal function. However, no significant adverse effects were observed in the treated groups. Further studies are necessary to reveal any adverse effects in renal indices.

The effect of Acalypha wilkesiana leaf extract on the haematology, amylase and lipase activities in Wistar rats exposed to 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine

2025-02-11T03:25:20+00:00

Acalypha wilkesiana is traditionally used for different ailments. Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) is an environmental pollutant which pose significant risks to human health. Any process or factors that diminish pancreatic blood flow reduces pancreatic secretions and thus impact health. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of A. wilkesiana leaf extract on haematological indices, amylase and lipase activities in Wistar rats exposed to DMH. A. wilkesiana leaves were extracted with ethanol using maceration method. Dimethylhydrazine (40 mg/kg) was subcutaneous injected three times a week for 6 weeks to induce colon tumours in rats, followed by oral administration of three doses of A. wilkesiana. The rats were divided into six groups with normal control, DMH control, DMH + Xeloda, (DMH + 200; DMH + 400 and DMH + 800) mg/kg. After 6 weeks of treatment, the rats were sacrificed, blood was recovered for haematology and biochemical analysis. Amylase was significantly lower, while lipase increased in DMH (p < 0.05) rats compared to normal control. However, amylase and lipase were near normal control levels in the extract treated groups with the higher dose having higher values. Haematology also reflected the ameliorating effects of the leaf extract against DMH. The histology of the pancreas confirmed the toxicity of DMH and the ameliorating effects of the leaf extract. This study, indicates that A. wilkesiana ethanol leaf extract influenced the haematological indices and enzyme activities of DMH-induced rats in dose dependant manner.

From ancient domestication to modern agriculture: The journey of maize cultivation in Tanzania, its implications for food security, challenges and resilience strategies

2025-02-12T19:02:14+00:00

Maize (Zea mays), first domesticated in Southern Mexico about 9,000 years ago, has grown to be a major global staple, playing an especially crucial role in Tanzania. Introduced to East Africa by Portuguese traders in the 16^th century, maize gradually became part of Tanzania’s agricultural system, replacing traditional cereals like sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet in both cultivation and consumption. During the colonial era the production was relatively low. Since independence in 1961, acreage expanded significantly from 790,000 hectares to 4.4 million hectares by 2021, and production increased from 590,000 to over 6 million metric tons. This growth has made maize a crucial crop for food security and livelihoods in the country. Over 189 maize varieties have been officially certified in Tanzania, since 1950s. Currently, Tanzania rank 5^th after South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Egypt in Africa maize producers. Despite these achievements, maize farming in Tanzania faces significant hurdles, including pests like the fall army worm, maize weevil, larger grain borer, and rodents, along with diseases such as maize lethal necrosis and gray leaf spot. The impacts of climate change also pose ongoing challenges to maize cultivation. Recently, maize attracted a lot of researches in various aspects. However, no published review report on history of maize production including varieties over time, problems and prospects. This paper provides an extensive review of maize history, production statistics, common varieties, research gaps and highlights resilient strategies needed for continuous innovation and support in maize cultivation to preserve its key role in Tanzania's economy and food security.