Nigerian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Influence of Aframomum sceptrum Treatment on Hepatic Toxicity Induced by Monosodium Glutamate in Albino Rats

Precious Iyeh — 2024-08-02

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly used as a culinary flavouring, although research suggest that it is toxic to people and laboratory animals, especially in high dosages. The study goal is to determine the impact of Aframomum sceptrum (ataiko) treatment on hepatic induced toxicity by MSG. Thirty-six albino rats (male) with weight of 120 to 210 g were used for the study. The rats were separated into 6 groups in which each group contains six rats. Group 1: normal control. Group 2: MSG only. Group 3 and 4 were given MSG and then treated with 250 and 350 mg/kg b.wt of A. sceptrum extract respectively. Group 5 and 6 were administered only 250 and 350 mg/kg b.wt of A. sceptrum extract, respectively. The MSG groups were given intra-peritoneal injection of MSG solution at single dose of 4253 mg/kg b.wt. A. sceptrum extract was administered three times a week for four weeks beginning two days after the MSG induction. Liver function markers such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and oxidative stress markers such as reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in serum and liver. Also, glucose was determined in the serum. The results showed that there were significant (p < 0.05) increased in glucose, AST, ALT and MDA in serum and liver, and decreased in GSH level in the liver of rats given MSG only when compared with normal control. However, A. sceptrum administration significantly (p < 0.05) decreased glucose, AST, ALT and MDA in the serum and liver, and increased GSH level in the liver when compared with MSG only. In conclusion, aqueous extract of A. sceptrum may have beneficial effect in MSG induced toxicity in rats by improving GSH level as well as liver function markers in a dose dependent manner.

Kolaviron Isolated from Garcinia kola Seed Inhibits Snake Venom Phosphodiesterase Activity

Azubuike I. Okafor — 2024-08-02

Most of the snake venom toxic enzymes that induce severe pathological effects belong to the hydrolytic class, including phosphodiesterase (svPDE) and kolaviron (KV) from Garcinia kola seed (GKS) happens to be a potent inhibitor against this class of enzymes. This study demonstrated the inhibitory effect of KV against svPDE activity. KV, isolated through successive extraction methods from GKS, was validated via Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). KV was assessed enzymatically for its ability to inhibit svPDE. About 1% KV was obtained from 50 g pulverized GKS following LC-MS spectra analysis. KV inhibited svPDE in a dose-dependent pattern with an IC₅₀ value of 40 µg/mL. Lineweaver-Burk plot of initial velocity data of inhibition by KV revealed a non-competitive pattern with a K_i value of 22 µg/mL at 40 µg/mL of KV. The K_M remained constant at 2.4 µg/mL, while V_max changed from 10.6 µmol/min/mg to 3.7 µmol/min/mg in the presence of 40 µg/mL of KV. This study suggests that KV could act as a potential inhibitor capable of countering the toxic action of svPDE in a non-competitive manner and may be used in treating snakebite victims.

Assessments of the Safety of Arsenicals on Dyslipidaemia and Reproductive Organ Morphology of Albino Rats

Olubisi E. Adeyi — 2024-08-02

Epidemiological studies have implicated Arsenic (As) an environmental toxicant in the etiology of many diseases which have been associated with dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular abnormalities. This study investigated the comparative effect of sub-chronic exposure to two arsenicals on the lipid profiles and morphology of the reproductive organs. Fifty albino rats were divided into five groups of 10 animals each (5 male and 5 female) were exposed to different doses of arsenic (As) either as sodium arsenite or sodium arsenate for 5 weeks. Lipids [triacylglycerol (TAG), cholesterol (CHOL) and phospholipids (PHOS)] concentrations were determined in the plasma, lipoprotein fractions, hepatic, renal, cardiac and brain tissues. In the male rats’ tissues, both arsenicals generally elicited a hormetic response, while in the tissues of female rats; both arsenicals increased the CHOL concentration. Furthermore, the perturbations in TAG concentration in female animals did not follow any regular pattern; although, depletion of TAG characterized these arsenic-induced perturbations in male rats except in the kidney, where TAG was accumulated. The arsenicals generally increased PHOS concentration in exposed animals irrespective of the sex. While HDL-TAG and HDL-CHOL concentrations were significantly reduced in As-exposed groups, changes observed in VLDL+LDL-TAG and VLDL+LDL-CHOL varied with no regular pattern. Histopathology of the sex organs revealed altered morphology in arsenite-exposed rats. Results from this study further associated these arsenicals as potential agents that can cause dyslipidaemia in tissues and also possess the ability to alter the architecture of sex organs in albino rats

The Chemo-preventive Ability of Quercetin and Isorhamnetin on Bromate- induced Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Stress May Involve Modulation of the Inflammatory Response

Tebekeme Okoko — 2024-08-02

The protective/preventive effects of quercetin and isorhamnetin on bromate-induced aberrations were studied. Cells were first incubated with either quercetin or isorhamnetin before exposure to bromate. Subsequently, cell viability and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed. In the other investigation, U937-derived macrophages were incubated with either flavonoid before exposure to bromate. Subsequently, the production of pro-inflammatory markers and expression of the antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also investigated. The findings reveal that bromate caused significant cytotoxicity, production of ROS, nitric oxide and cytokines when compared to untreated controls (p < 0.05). Bromate also reduced the expression of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT. However, chemoprevention was observed when the cells were pre-incubated with either flavonoid which was concentration-dependent (p < 0.05). Pre-incubation of the cells with the flavonoids also reduced bromate-induced production of reactive oxygen species. The flavonoids also reduced bromate-induced production of nitric oxide and the cytokines in the U937-derived macrophages. The expression of the antioxidant enzymes was also enhanced following the pre-treatment of the macrophages with the flavonoids. Quercetin tends to be more active than isorhamnetin at reducing bromate-induced cytotoxicity and production of ROS. However, isorhamnetin tends to be better at reducing bromate-induced alterations on the production of NO and the pro-inflammatory cytokines but largely not significant. Isorhamnetin was also better at enhancing the expression of antioxidant enzymes than quercetin (p < 0.05).

Potential of Green Synthesis Using a Nanotechnology Approach to Enhance the Biological Properties of Onion Extracts

Daniel H. Mhya — 2024-08-02

The use of onions as a natural source of medicinal compounds is on the rise globally. However, its therapeutic effectiveness is limited by several factors, including poor solubility, low bioavailability, etc. Hence, developing strategies to overcome these limitations and enhance their therapeutic potential is justified. This study therefore investigates the potential of green synthesis using a nanotechnology approach to enhance the biological properties of onion extracts. Three different onion varieties were used. The bulbs of each onion were sliced, air-dried, and separately extracted using an ethyl acetate and ethanol solvent mixture (1:1 v/v). Each extract obtained was divided into two: plain onion extract and synthesised silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) onion extract. This was obtained by mixing the extract with a solution of silver nitrate and heating for 5 hours at 60^oC. DPPH (1,1 difenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging, total antioxidant capacity, red blood cell membrane stabilisation, protein denaturation, and heat-induced hemolysis were assayed. The results of the study showed enhanced DPPH scavenging abilities by the synthesised silver nanoparticles of onion extracts at ≤ 81.01% in comparison to the value exerted by the plain onion extracts at ≤ 75.61%. The total antioxidant capacities of the synthesised Ag-NPs ranged from 0.46±0.6 to 0.85±0.06 mg AAE/g dry extract, while the plain onion extracts ranged from 0.76±0.3 to 0.96±0.09 mg AAE/g dry extract. The synthesised Ag-NPs inhibited protein denaturation at 61.80±0.09–73.34±0.16%, compared to 42.25±0.20–55.08±0.12% by the plain onion extract. The study suggests that green synthesis using nanotechnology approaches can enhance the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of onion extract, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy.

Assessment of Nutrition Knowledge, Perceived Stress, Physical Activity and Nutritional Status of Undergraduate Students of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria

Uche S. Ndidi — 2024-08-02

Undergraduate students are so concerned about academic activities that they pay less attention to their nutritional status and general wellbeing. A cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the nutrition knowledge, perceived stress, physical activity and nutritional status was carried out on 142 undergraduate students of the Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria. The socio-demographic characteristics, nutrition knowledge and dietary habits, perceived stress (using Perceived Stress Scale, PSS-10), physical activity level (using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, GPAQ) were assessed through online questionnaire form (survey kobo toolbox). Anthropometric indices were measured using stadiometer and digital weighing scale, haemoglobin and glucose levels were determined using haemoglobin test meter and glucometer, respectively. Results showed that majority of the respondents were males (66.2 %). Most respondents (60.60 %) ate two meals per day. The majority (75.35 %) of the students had very good nutrition knowledge and had mostly (75.4 %) medium perceived stress. Sedentary behaviour for males and females was found to be 325.00 ± 28.26 mins/week 418.00 ± 35.16 mins/week, respectively. Results further revealed that 3.50 % of the students were obese, 4.90 % overweight, 21.20 % underweight. The haemoglobin concentration (g/dL) were 12.93 ± 1.62 for males and 13.25 ± 1.22 for females and the glucose concentration (mmol/L) were 4.75 ± 1.16 for males and 4.66 ± 0.59 for females. Our findings suggest that majority of the students had good nutrition knowledge, normal nutritional status, medium perceived stress but poor physical activity.

Growth Performance and Toxicological Implications of Mixed Fungal Fermented Maize Cob Feed in Experimental Rats

Abbas Olagunju — 2024-08-02

Mixed fungal fermentation was carried out to upgrade the nutritive value of the maize cobs for use as inclusion in developing a balanced feed for animal production. Grounded maize cobs were alkaline pretreated, and fermented with mixed and single lignocellulolytic fungi of Lachnocladium flavidum and Aspergillus niger. A feeding experiment assessed the growth performance and toxicological implications of graded levels (10%, 30%, and 50%) of fungal fermented maize cobs following their inclusion in the diet. Feed substituted with 10% L. flavidum. was found to have the most positive effect on animal weight and the growth rate, while for the feed consumption and the efficiency of feed conversion, statistical difference was not observed among the various substituted feeds. Toxicity studies reveal absolute and relative organ weights were stable with slight differences among substituted fermented-fed groups relative to the control. Liver and kidney weight appeared normal in various fermented substituted groups. Most markers of liver function analyzed appeared normal, glucose levels however increased significantly (P<0.05) in most of the fermented-fed groups. Serum electrolytes as markers of kidney function also showed a stable condition while urea and creatine levels increased significantly (P<0.05) but within the normal range. Hematological parameters did not show compromised values as all appeared within acceptable ranges. This research has shown that 10% L. flavidum and A. niger fermented maize cobs have been demonstrated to be efficacious and safe as a substitute for inclusion in animal feed production.

Comparative Antioxidant and Anti-cholinesterase Properties of Catechin, Caffeine and Theobromine

Iyanuoluwa O. Ademola — 2024-08-02

Catechin, caffeine and theobromine are three bioactive compounds that are present in plant foods and are major constituent of tea, coffee and cocoa drinks respectively. Although not structurally related, catechin, caffeine and theobromine have been reported to elicit psychostimulatory properties. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant properties of the compounds through their radicals [1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS), nitric oxide (NO), and hydroxyl (OH)] scavenging abilities, ferric reducing potentials and Fe2+ chelating abilities. The effect of the compounds on different prooxidants (FeSO4, cisplatin and sodium nitroprusside) induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenates was assessed. Also, the effects of the compounds on some cholinergic [acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)] enzymes in rats brain homogenates were assessed in vitro. The stock concentration of catechin, caffeine and theobromine were prepared and their inhibition of these enzymes were assessed (in vitro) in brain homogenate. The results revealed that caffeine, catechin and theobromine had antioxidant properties and exhibited inhibitory effects on activities of AChE and BChE. Catechin had the best antioxidant property while theobromine produced the highest enzyme inhibition effect. These findings may provide new insight into the effects of these bioactive compounds as obtained in many foods especially with respect to their antioxidant and neuroprotective effects.

Antioxidant and Nephroprotective Studies on Telfairia occidentalis Pod in Experimental Rats

Anthony C. C. Egbuonu — 2024-08-02

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) induces nephrotoxicity accompanied with oxidative stress at high dose (8000 mg/kg). Medicinal prospects of underutilized Telfairia occidentalis pod, TOP was suggested recently. This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant potentials, and in vivo antioxidant, renal function and histologic outcomes of TOP extract, TOPE, in MSG-challenged rats after oral exposure for 14 days. In vitro, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and 2,2-diphynyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity of TOPE concentration-dependently peaked at the highest tested concentration. In vivo, MSG caused marked and significant (p < 0.05) alterations of the investigated antioxidant and renal function parameters. TOPE either improved, or elicited similar response on these parameters compared to the control, and dose-dependently (p < 0.05) diminished the MSG-induced effects. Histologic data revealed that the multifocal degeneration of the renal tubular epithelial cells of MSG-induced rats were absent in the control and others indicating significant degree of repair by TOPE in TOPE co-treatment groups. Thus, TOPE has demonstrated in vitro antioxidant capacity and in vivo protective inhibition against nephrotoxicity induced by administration of MSG in rats via probable antioxidant balancing mechanism.

Investigation into the Potential of Paullinia pinnata (Linn.) Methanol Leaf Extract against Toxicity by Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether in Wistar Rats

Oluwatoyin A. Adeyemo-Salami — 2024-08-02

Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) is a toxicant with wide industrial and domestic use. Paullinia pinnata (PP) is a herb with medicinal properties as demonstrated scientifically. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible chemopreventive effect of PP on EGME-induced damagesin the liver and kidney. Seventy adults male Wistar rats were weight-matched into seven groups (n=10). Groups I and II served as controls and received distilled water and 10% dimethyl sulfoxide, respectively. Group III received EGME (200 mg/kg) only. Groups IV-VII each received EGME (200 mg/kg) and PP at 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg doses, respectively. All administrations were done orally daily for 14 consecutive days. On day 15, the animals were euthanized and the liver and kidneys were excised. The EGME significantly (p<0.05) reduced the activities and the levels of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. These deleterious effects were prevented by co-administration with PP at 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg dose but not at the 25 mg/kg dose. Paullinia pinnata methanol leaf extract barred the toxic effect of EGME at moderate doses in the liver and kidney.