Summary: Effect of alcohol and kolanut interactions on biochemical indices of neuronal gene expression in Wistar albino rats was studied. Thirty Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups of five (5) rats per group. The control group (1) received via oral route a placebo (4ml of distilled water). Groups 2 -6 were treated for a period of 21-days with (10% v/v) 50mg/kg body weight of alcohol, 50mg/kg body weight of kolanut, 50mg/kg body weight of caffeine, 50mg/kg body weight of alcohol and 50mg/kg body weight of kolanut, and 50mg/kg body weight of alcohol and 50mg/kg body weight of caffeine in 4.0ml of the vehicle via gastric intubation respectively. One day after the final exposure, the brain of each rat was harvested and processed to examine several biochemical parameters, i.e., total protein, DNA, RNA and protein/RNA ratios. The status of neuronal gene expression was monitored through assessment of these parameters. The results showed that alcohol-kolanut co-administration decreased brain total protein, DNA, RNA levels and protein/RNA ratios, and inhibited gene expression. These effects, in turn, inhibited DNA transcription, MRNA splicing and protein synthesis, and polypeptide expression, which are necessary for the growth, development, differentiation and cell survival.

Summary: Effect of caffeine-coconut products interactions on induction of drug-metabolizing enzyme in wistar albino rats was studied. Twenty rats were randomly divided into four groups: The control group (1) received via oral route a placebo (4.0ml of distilled water). Groups 2 to 4 were treated for a 14-day period with 50mg/kg body weight of caffeine, 50mg/kg body weight of caffeine and 50mg/kg body weight of coconut water, and 50mg/kg body weight of caffeine and 50mg/kg body weight of coconut milk in 4.0ml of the vehicle via gastric intubation respectively. One day after the final exposure, the animals were anaestheticized by inhalation of an overdose of chloroform. The blood of each rat was collected by cardiac puncture while the liver of each rat was harvested and processed to examine several biochemical parameters, ie, total protein and RNA levels, protein/RNA ratios, and activities of alanine and aspartate amino transferase (ALT and AST, respectively). The results showed that while ingestion of coconut milk and coconut water increased the values of protein and protein/RNA ratios, it decreased alanine and aspartate amino transferase (ALT and AST) activities. These effects, in turn, enhanced the induction of the metabolizing enzymes and a resultant faster clearance and elimination of the caffeine from the body, there by reducing the toxic effect on the liver.

A sub-chronic effect of diet of Treculia africana (Bread fruit BF) on serum electrolyte, enzyme and some haematological parameters in rats was studied. The test-diets were administered for 21 days after which, serum electrolyte enzyme and heamatological parameters were assayed. The control group were similarly treated but given normal diet The result showed that serum sodium (Na+) of rats given bread fruit diet of 10% and 20% respectively were significantly (P<0.001) and P<0.05) lower, but significantly (P<0.00) higher for those given BF of 100% when compared with control. The potassium and chloride ion levels in test and control groups were not significantly different. Calcium ion levels in the animals 10% and 20% respectively were not significantly different but the Ca 2+ levels in those given BF 100% was significantly (P<0.01) lower compared with control. The bicarbonate ion levels were significantly (P<0.01) higher in test than control. Serum levels of ALT and ALP were significantly (P<0.001) higher in test than the control. The AST levels in animals given 10% and 20% BF were not significantly different but those given BF 100% was significantly (P<0.001) higher compared with control. The breadfruit diet when consumed without enriching food supplement decreased RBC, HB, PCV, MCHC indicating microcytic hypo-chronic anaemia and possible hepato cellular damage as shown in increase liver enzymes.