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.

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.

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.

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.

This study evaluated the hypoglycaemic, antihyperglycaemic and anti-lipid peroxidative  activity of Persea americana peel in experimental rats. 60 male wistar rats were used for this study which lasted for 42 days. The animals were randomly grouped as: A-Normal control (feed + distilled water), B- Glibenclamide 0.6mg/kg/day, C- Avocado peel extract 50mg/kg, D- Diabetic, E- Diabetic + glibenclamide 0.6mg/kg/day, F- Diabetic + avocado peel extract 50mg/kg.  Fasting blood glucose and blood level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) were assayed for. With standard protocols, the heart and kidney of each animal was collected for tissue homogenization. Biochemical analysis of tissue homogenates includes Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and isoprostanes (F2isoP). This study revealed a possible link between oxidative stress and hyperglycaemia in diabetic conditions. Avocado peel, dose and time-dependently reduced blood glucose level below normal as well as products of lipid peroxidation. Determination of the possible mechanisms by which avocado peel affects these biomarkers may be indispensible to medicinal research. This study revealed further therapeutic potential of avocado peel.