Objectives: Cuprizone is a neurotoxicant used in modeling demyelinating disorders. This study explored the effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) on oxidative, histomorphological and behavioural changes in cuprizone-damaged cerebellum. Methods: Twenty adult female Wistar rats were grouped into 4, each group having five animals. Group A received 1 ml of normal saline (Control); group B received 0.4% cuprizone; group C received 15.6 mg/kgBW Moringa oleifera leaf extract; group D received 0.4% cuprizone and 15.6 mg/kgBW Moringa oleifera, orally for 5 weeks. The animals were assessed for exploratory and locomotor activities, while the cerebellum was processed for histology and assayed for nitric oxide (NO), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Results: Cuprizone treatment caused weight reduction, disruption of Purkinje cell layer, cellular degeneration, reduction in NO, CAT and SOD activities. However, these changes were ameliorated when co-administered with MO. Conclusion: The anti-oxidative property of Moringa oleifera is responsible for its ameliorative effect in cuprizone neurotoxicity.

This study was designed to determine the effects of cigarette smoke on the body weights of Wistar rats, anti-oxidant activity and the histology of the frontal cortex. Sixteen Wistar rats with mean weight of 131.40 ± 4.43 g were used. They were grouped into four. Group A had a stick of cigarette (Pall Mall brand ®) daily, group B had two sticks and group C had three sticks daily, while Group D served as the control group. They were exposed at 1800 hrs each day for thirty five days, and their weights were monitored. After sacrifice by cervical dislocation, the tissues were processed for histological and biochemical studies. The results showed minimal weight change in the exposed groups compared to the marked increase in the control group. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme increased while there was decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) activity. The histology also showed decreased staining of the nucleic acids as well as increased vacuolations in the exposed groups. The authors suggested these findings could alter brain functions particularly those related to the frontal cortex.

Gangrene involving the whole upper limb is generally uncommon. When seen, it usually affects parts of the upper limb and is usually as a result of mismanagement of fractures by traditional bone setters (TBS). We present the case of a 2 year old girl with gangrene of the upper limb as a result of inadvertent ligation of the axillary vessels. Lack of recognition of the error and delayed presentation to a specialist center contributed to irreversible damage to the limb. Prompt resuscitation, excision of gangrenous limb and postoperative care were indispensable in the excellent outcome achieved.

No abstract

No abstract