Department Of Biochemistry

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Activities of a Cellulase of the Termite, Ametermes eveuncifer (Silverstri) Soldier: Clue to Termites Salt Intolerance
(Journal of Natural Science Research, 2015) Bamidele S. Fagbohunka, Samuel E. Edorh, Muinat M. Adeyanju, Esther N. Ezima, Mutiu A. Alabi and Olugbenga O. Ogunlabi
Table salt which contains predominantly NaCl is both toxic and lethal to termites and is therefore used to control the insect traditionally. In an attempt to find out a scientific explanation for this treatment and possibly design a pesticide for the destructive insect, we carried out some tests on the effects of NaCl (table salt), some other chloride and sodium salts on some important enzymes produced by termites. At 0.1mM concentration, all the chloride salts inhibited all the enzymes. Acid phosphatase and arginase were however mildly inhibited. Interestingly, some chloride salts were more potent than NaCl the conventional pesticide. The greatest inhibition was by the chlorides of mercury (81%), manganese (78%), and sodium (76%). The inhibitory effect was more on cellulolytic enzymes; β-glucosidase and cellulase than on detoxifying enzymes; 3-MST and rhodanese. Again, all the sodium salts tested inhibited cellulase drastically with most of them more potent than NaCl. Thus both the sodium and chloride ions contributed immensely to the inhibition. Form these discoveries, one of the chloride salts of mercury, manganese and sodium or a combination of at least two can be used as a pesticide for termites. Almost all the sodium salts tested or a combination of at least two can also be used.
Age-related Effects of Momordica charantia Leaf (Tea) Extract on Prostate Gland Health in Male Wistar Rats
(African Scientist, 2022-12-31) Gbolahan O. Idowu, Mutiu A. Alabi, Fatai A. Kareem, Asiat Na’Allah, Taoheed A. Abdulsalam and Emmanuel O. Ajani
Prostate disorders are age-related issues that are known to be influenced by sex hormones, diet, and lifestyle and stress. With increasing dissatisfaction with orthodox treatment methods, host of alternative therapies including medicinal plants are currently being employed. The present study investigated the effect of oral administration of aqueous extract of Momordica charantia leaf tea on prostate gland health. Rats were grouped into three age groups (young, adult, and old), each with control fed normal rat pellets and water only, and treated groups received 140 mg/kg body weight of M. charantia leaf extract daily for 40 days via the oral route. The animals were sacrificed on the last day and blood samples collected were analyzed for testosterone, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone level, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, lipid peroxidation and weights of prostate glands were also recorded. The extract produced no significant increase in body weight of the rats, increased testosterone in all the age groups, decreased prolactin concentration in the young and old age-groups while dehydroepiandrosterone level of the young age-rats significantly increased, those of the old-age rats decreased significantly. The extract significantly increased catalase and superoxide dismutase activities of rats and significantly decreased lipid peroxidase activity of the rats in the three age groups. The marginal positive effects on total body and prostate gland health recorded in this study suggest the usage and intake of M. charantia tea as a preventive measure against prostate disorders for a long period.
Anti-fibrotic Potential of Tetracarpidium conophorum (African Walnut) Leaves Extract on Diethylstilbestrol Induced Rat Model of Uterine fibroid
(Nigerian Journal of Experimental Clinical Biosciences, 2022-05-19) Esther Y. Oyinloye, Mutiu A. Alabi, Kofoworola Ajayi, Dolapo Ajose, Ayobola B. Adeyemi, Emmanuel O. Ajani
Background: The increased prevalence of Uterine fibroid and its life-threatening impact among women of reproductive age led to the development of this study. The study investigated the anti-fibrotic potential of Tetracarpidium conophorum aqueous extract on uterine fibroid (UF) induced rats. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four (64) female Wistar rats, with an average weight of 200 g, were used for the study. The rats were randomly divided into 8 groups of 8 animals each. UF was induced by oral administration of diethylstilbestrol and intramuscular injection of progesterone at dosages 1.35 and 1.0 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Group 1 was administered normal saline orally for 8 weeks. Groups 2 and 3 were treated with progesterone and a combination of DES and progesterone, respectively. Groups 4 and 5 were pre-treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg T. conophorum extract respectively for 3 weeks before the administration of DES and progesterone for 5 weeks. Group 6 and 7 were administered DES and progesterone for 5 weeks before being treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg T. conophorum extract respectively for 3 weeks. Group 8 was the self-recovery group-administered DES and progesterone for 5 weeks after which they were given normal saline orally for 3 weeks. Results: After the treatment period, the rats were euthanized, and blood was collected while the uteruses were harvested. Co-administration of DES and progesterone produces UF conditions. However, pre-treatment and posttreatment with 200 mg/kg of extract mitigated the effects that were induced by DES and progesterone, but no remarkable preventive and curative effects were observed with the higher dosage (400 mg/kg). There was a reduction of the serum prolactin level in the treatment groups and increased serum progesterone level in the posttreatment group. Conclusion: The study has shown that T. conophorum have both preventive and curative effect on UF at low dosage (200 mg/kg).
Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of Bacteria from Selected Hospitals in Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria
(Bacteriology Journal, 2014) Temitope Olowokere, Mutiu A. Alabi, Rita M. Sunday, Ekundayo T. Salami, Folake Osanaiye and Jemi J. Afolabi
In recent times, there has been an astronomical increase in the cases of bacterial resistance to commonly used antibiotics by medical personnel in Akungba Akoko,Ondo State, Nigeria. It is just right for a study of this nature to be carried out in order to provide the important microbiological pieces of information to help medical practitioners to tackle this menance. Bacteria were isolated from inanimate object in hospitals in Ondo State which include: General Hospital, Iwaro-Oka; Reva Clinic, Akungba Akoko; University Health Centre, Akungba Akoko and Comprehensive Health Centre, Akungba Akoko. In this study seven organism were isolated, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Aeruginosa sp., Klebsiella sp., Bacillus sp. and Escherichia coli. All these organisms were identified based on their morphology and biochemical characteristics. The incidence of Staphylococcus aureus (34.8%) was found to be dominant out of the gram-positive bacteria isolated. The incidence of E. coli (44.4%) was found dominant out of the gram-negative bacteria isolated. Of the 70 isolates recovered, 43 (61.4%) were gram-positive while 27 (38.6%) were gram-negative. Multiple resistances were recorded against antibiotics used in this study. This study reveals that staphylococci, streptococci, bacillus, pseudomonas and enterbacteriaceae are predominant organism associated with inanimate object in hospitals. Effective hospital control and aseptic precaution will help reduce the incidence.
Anticancer properties of recipes derived from nigeria and african medicinal plants on breast cancer cells in vitro
(Scientific Africa, 2020) Mutiu A. Alabi, Annamalai Muthusamy, Shama P. Kabekkodu, Olugbenga O. Adebawo, Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
The study was carried out to examine the effects of two recipes prepared from Nigerian and African medicinal plants on the cell cytotoxicity, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis on breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) cells and normal human fibroblasts. In vitro cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative effect was evaluated by 3-[4, 5-dimethylthizol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay while cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry using propidium iodide (PI) staining. The reactive oxygen species analysis by DCFDA staining and flow cytometry analysis while alterations in Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP, ∆Ψm) were determined by staining the cells with Rhodamine 123 then FACS Calibur flow-cytometry analysis. Expression of apoptotic-related proteins and key signalling transduction proteins was carried out by western blotting. MTT assay results indicated that the recipes were able to inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells and fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, both recipes exhibited G0/G1 cell cycle arrest by flow cytometry. The reactive oxygen species analysis showed that the extracts did not induce free radical generation in the cancer cells whereas the ∆Ψm assessment showed alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential with increased expression of two apoptosis inducing protein i.e. caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. The two recipes inhibited cell proliferation through the induction of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and increased expression of apoptotic inducing protein, which leads to cancer cell death. This study provides an early evidence to support the traditional use of African medicinal plant recipes in cancer treatment.
Antidiabetic Potential of Stem Bark Extract of Enantia chlorantha and Lack of Modulation of Its Therapeutic Efficacy in Diabetic Rats Co-Administered with Lisinopril.
(Acta Chimica Slovenica, 2021) Latifat B. Ibrahim, Patience F. Idowu, Opemipo A. Moses, Mutiu A. Alabi and Emmanuel O. Ajani
This study validates the antidiabetic efficacy of Enantia chlorantha stem bark and the possible therapeutic implications of the co-administration of lisinopril and E. chlorantha in type 2 diabetic rats. E. chlorantha stem bark was extracted by cold maceration. The inhibitory effect of the plant on carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes and its antioxidative potentials were assessed in vitro. The extract exhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities and also showed antiox-idative properties in vitro. Administration of the extract normalized fasting hyperglycemia in vivo by showing 47.24% reduction in blood glucose levels relative to untreated diabetic rats. Co-administration of E. chlorantha and lisinopril restored serum glucose and serum lipid profile levels. E. chlorantha stem bark displayed antidiabetic potentials as com-pared with a standard antidiabetic drug (metformin). The study also showed that the plant contained some bioactive compounds which we hypothesize might be responsible for the observed activities. Co-administration of the plant with lisinopril conferred no significant therapeutic advantage on the serum glucose level and lipid profile
Antidiabetic Screening of Phenolic-rich Extracts of Selected Medicinal Spices
(2018) Jubril Olayinka Akolade; Asiat Na’Allah; Abdulhakeem Olarewaju Sulyman; Azeemat Titilola Abdulazeez; Asiata Opeyemi Atoti; Mardiya Bawa Isiaku
Antidiarrhoeal Activities of Ethanolic Extract of Aristolochia ringens Stem Bark in Castor Oil-Induced Diarrhoeal Albino Rats
(2018) Rasheed Bolaji Ibrahim; Abdulhakeem Olanrewaju Sulyman; Fisayo Abraham Bamisaye; Lateefah Badrudeen Yusuf
The antidiarrhoeal potentials of ethanolic extract of Aristolochia ringens stem back was evaluated in castor oil-induced diarrhoeal rats. The A. ringens stem back ethanolic extract was, in addition, screened for its phytoconstituents. Thirty albino rats of 150-180 g were randomized into six groups of five animals each for each of the three experiments and all administration were oral. Rats in groups I and II were administered 1.0 ml distilled water and 1% DMSO (Vehicle) respectively, while those in group III were administered 2.5 mg/kg b.wt loperamide hydrochloride as reference drug. Rats in groups IV, V and VI were administered 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg b.wt. ethanolic extract of A. ringens stem bark. The castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model was used, the weight and volume of the intestinal content was determined by enteropooling method and the intestinal motility was determined using activated charcoal method. The small intestine of the rats was also assessed for histopathological changes. The extract significantly and dose-dependently reduced the number of diarrhoeal faeces, the volume of intestinal accumulation and the distance moved by the fed charcoal in treated rats compared to the untreated diarrhoeal group (group II). The percentage inhibitions exhibited by the extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight were significantly higher than that of the reference drug. Furthermore, the photomicrograph of the intestine of the extract treated rats showed intact intestinal architecture. Hence, ethanolic extract of Aristolochia ringens stem bark may contain phytochemicals with better antidiarrhoeal potentials which can be explored in the development of more viable antidiarrhoeal agents.
Assessing the Ground Water Quality in Sagamu Town, Ogun State, South West Nigeria
(IOSR Journal Of Environmental Science, Toxicology And Food Technology, 2013-09) Mutiu A. Alabi, Gbolahan Idowu, Olalekan H. Oyefuga, Rita M. Sunday, Temitope Olowokere, Folake G. Osanaiye and Stella Odiaka
An assessment of the groundwater quality of well and bore holes was carried out in Sagamu Town, Ogun State. Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, a semi-urban settlement, southwest Nigeria and falls under the rain forest agro-ecological zone. The study was aimed at examining the various sources of groundwater, the potential pollutants in the groundwater and the quality of the groundwater as it relates to public health. The study identified two sources of groundwater supply namely, boreholes and wells. Groundwater samples (12) were taken from boreholes and wells and subjected to physical, chemical and biological analysis. The results were compared with WHO standards. The results from the laboratory analysis revealed evidences of pollution from both chemical and biological sources. These were evident from high levels of nitrite (4.46 to 7.08 mg/l), lead (0.004 to 0.026 mg/l), copper (0.011 to 0.098 mg/l), nickel (0.009 to 0.042 mg/l) and iron (0.089 to 3.461), and the presence of bacteria, coliforms and fungi. It was further established that the boreholes and wells were more polluted in areas nearer farms and sanitation units than the areas further away from them. Improper sanitation management and improper education for farmers on farming skills could be the major problem for groundwater quality of the study areas. Also, relevant agencies should make continuous effort to control, regulate and educate the people and those using the water on indiscriminate waste disposal from laundry, domestic and agriculture within the study area.
Bioprospection of Selected Plant Secondary Metabolites as Modulators of the Proteolytic Activity of Plasmodium falciparum Plasmepsin V
(2023) Abdulhakeem Olarewaju Sulyman; Oluwapelumi Oluwaseun Aje; Emmanuel Oladipo Ajani; Rukayat Abiola Abdulsalam; Fatai Oladunni Balogun; Saheed Sabiu; Nikhil Agrawal
Malaria is a devastating disease, and its management is only achieved through chemotherapy. However, resistance to available medication is still a challenge; therefore, there is an urgent need for the discovery and development of therapeutics with a novel mechanism of action to counter the resistance scourge consistent with the currently available antimalarials. Recently, plasmepsin V was validated as a therapeutic target for the treatment of malaria. The pepsin-like aspartic protease anchored in the endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for the trafficking of parasite-derived proteins to the erythrocytic surface of the host cells. In this study, a small library of compounds was preliminarily screened in vitro to identify novel modulators of Plasmodium falciparum plasmepsin V (PfPMV). The results obtained revealed kaempferol, quercetin, and shikonin as possible PfPMV inhibitors, and these compounds were subsequently probed for their inhibitory potentials using in vitro and in silico methods. Kaempferol and shikonin noncompetitively and competitively inhibited the specific activity of PfPMV in vitro with IC50 values of 22.4 and 43.34 μM, respectively, relative to 62.6 μM obtained for pepstatin, a known aspartic protease inhibitor. Further insight into the structure-activity relationship of the compounds through a 100 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation showed that all the test compounds had a significant affinity for PfPMV, with quercetin (-36.56 kcal/mol) being the most prominent metabolite displaying comparable activity to pepstatin (-35.72 kcal/mol). This observation was further supported by the compactness and flexibility of the resulting complexes where the compounds do not compromise the structural integrity of PfPMV but rather stabilized and interacted with the active site amino acid residues critical to PfPMV modulation. Considering the findings in this study, quercetin, kaempferol, and shikonin could be proposed as novel aspartic protease inhibitors worthy of further investigation in the treatment of malaria.
Changes Associated with Treatment of Plasmodium berghei Infected Mice with Momordica charantia, Xylopia aethiopica and Entandrophragma angolense Leaf Extract
(European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2021) Fatai A. Kareem, Opeyemi J. Owolabi, Mutiu A. Alabi, Omotola B. Ogunsuyi, Sofiyat F. AbdulKadir and Ayodeji O. Obatoye
Aim: Leaves of plants have been useful in the treatment of various diseases and infections. The study aims at determining the nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and hematological effect of Momordica charantia, Xylopia aethiopica, and Entandrophragma angolense on the Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Study Design: The plants’ leaves were air-dried and extracted. Forty-two Swiss male mice, 18 to 25 g, were grouped into six of seven mice each. Group I was uninfected but were administered with normal saline for four days, Group II to VI were all infected with P. berghei and administered with normal saline, 300 mg/b.w. of M. charantia leaf extract, 300 mg/b.w. of E. angolense leaf extract, 300 mg/b.w. of X. aethiopica leaf extract and 40 mg/b.w. of chloroquine injection for four days, respectively. Results: The treatment groups showed a lower level of toxicity when compared with chloroquine treatment. X. aethiopica has the greatest positive impact on the PCV level of the experimental animals of its treated group compared with other groups. Conclusion: Our findings confirmed the antimalarial potential of X. aethiopica and thus can be used to treat malaria without anemia as a side effect.
DETERMINANTS OF TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN CROP PRODUCTION AMONG SOME COMMERCIAL CROP FARMERS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
(njaat.atbu.edu.ng, 2022-03-01) Mahmud, Hussaina U.
The study was designed to find out the determinants of technical efficiency in production of some commercial crops in Niger State. Primary data was used for the study. Crop production was found to be inelastic with a decreasing return to scale for the farmers. The distribution and level of technical efficiencies for the farmers examined was found to be 74.2%. There was a significant difference in the technical efficiency level obtained. The determinants of technical efficiency observed in the study were age, household size, education level, farming experience and credit access for the farmers. The result showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between the socio-economic factor and technical efficiency in crop production. It further indicated that 3.9% of the total variation in aggregate food crop production by these farmers was due to technical inefficiency. The study concluded that crop farmers are yet to achieve their best, as shown by their low technical efficiency (TE) value and low output levels, thus, calling for critical examination of technical efficiency, as a means of examining the role of higher efficiency level on agricultural output, particularly in the study area.
Dietary inclusion of locally made sweet potato wine protects against biochemical alterations in high cholesterol fed rats
(Trends in Applied Sciences Research, 2020) Emmanuel O. Ajani, Mutiu A. Alabi, Sunday Awe, Latifat B. Ibrahim, Olajumoke A. Awoyemi and Sekinat A. Balogun
Background and Objective: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is the 6th most important food crop and possesses anticancer, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the effect of sweet potato wine in altered biochemical indices in cholesterol fed rats. Materials and Methods: Wister albino rats weighing between 90-120 g were randomized into 8 groups of 10 rats each fed with fresh sweet potato and sweet potato extract. Group 1 (control) were fed normal rat feed and were given sterile placebo (distilled water). Group 2 (negative control) were fed normal rat feed and 2.5% cholesterol. Group 3 (positive control) were fed normal diet, 2.5% cholesterol and standard red wine (400 mL/70 g). Group 4-7 were the treatment groups as follows: TI (2.5% cholesterol+400 mL/70 g potato wine), T2 (2.5% cholesterol+800 mL/70 g potato wine), T3 (400 mL/70 g potato wine) and T4 (800 mL/70 g potato wine). Group 8 (standard control) were fed normal diet and standard red wine (400 mg/70 g). The wines and the cholesterol were daily administered at 9 am and 4 pm, respectively for 5 weeks and the animal were sacrificed 24 h after the last administration. Results: The sweet potato wine and extract: restores abnormalities in lipid profiles in the cholesterol fed rats, does not have a significant effect on the serum renal function biomarkers and the liver function biomarkers were significantly increased. Conclusion: The study suggests that administration of sweet potato wine would be beneficial in restoring lipid profiles while eliciting liver damage which might not have a significant effect on kidney function.
Effect of A. precarorius Aqueous Seed Extract on the Histology of Kidney, Lungs and Intestines of Wistar Rats
(Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2013) Rita M. Sunday, Olapade R. Ilesanmi, Mutiu A. Alabi, Folake G, Osanaiye, Temitope Olowokere and Taiwo Otunla
This study was carried out to evaluate the potential detect of aqueous extract of Abrus precatorius (A. precatorius) seeds on the histology of kidneys, lungs and intestines of Wistar rats. Aqueous extract of A. precatorius seeds was administered For fourteen days through intraperitoneal route tip) to age matched Wistar rats. The rats were grouped into four with five rats per group. The control group was administered 3 mL kg 1 distilled water while the treatment groups were administered 0.05, 0.10 and 0.20 mg/kg of aqueous extract of A. precatorius seeds. The animals were sacrificed after fourteen days. The kidneys, lungs, small and large intestine were removed, weighed and preserved in 10% formalin solution and embedded in paraffin wax. Tissues from these organs were stained for assessment of tissue morphology. Pathological changes were observed in the tissues of the treatment groups while no change was observed in the control group. The median lethal dose (LD5a) was determined to he 0.35 mg/g (i.p). The results showed that intraperitonial administration of aqueous extract of A. precatorius seeds may cause slight changes to these organs and caution should be exhibited in its use in traditional medicine.
Effect of bitters on the body weight, lipid profile, catalase and lipid peroxidation in experimental animals
(Journal of Mdical Sciences, 2013) Mutiu A. Alabi, Rita M. Sunday, Temitope Olowokere, Fatai A. Kareem and Folake Osanaiye
This study was designed to investigate the potential effect of hitters on body Weight, lipid proﬁle (total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HIDL)-cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol), catalase and lipid peroxidation in the plasma and heart tissue of Albino rats. Three brands of bitters (Yoyo, Swedish and Living bitters) were administered daily for thirty-two days through oral rout to age matched twenty eight Albino rats of both sexes. The rats were grouped into four with seven rats per group. The control group was administered normal saline, the treatment groups were administered with Yoyo, Swedish and Living hitters respectively (15 mL kg_‘). The animals were sacrificed after thirty-two days. There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in body weight, a reduction in cardiac total cholesterol, lipid peroxidation, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels and an increase in catalase activity. There was also a significant reduction in plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride levels but significant increase in plasma catalase activity. Hence, hitters could be recommended to be taken as digestive, as it may help to reduced the body weight, cardiac total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol levels, lipid peroxidation level and increase catalase activity.
Glucose and Lipid Lowering Potentials of Heliotropium indicum L. Leaves in Alloxan-Induced Hyperglycaemic Rats
(2016) Rasheed Bolaji IBRAHIM; Jubril Olayinka AKOLADE; Raliat Abimbola ALADODO; Omoaruemike Ebele OKEREKE; Sarah Abimbola AKANDE
The antidiabetic potentials of Heliotropium indicum L. leaf aqueous (HILA) extract used for the management of diabetes by Traditional Medicinal Practitioners (TMPs) in Nigeria was assessed. Alloxan (ALX)-induced hyperglycaemic rats were orally administered with known folkloric dosage of 30 and 75 mg/kg b. wt. of HILA extract, once a day, for 14 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were monitored and pancreatic histology was examined. Net hepatic glycogen (GLY) concentration and lipid profiles were also determined. Prior to treatment, ALX-induced hyperglycaemia (>250 mg/dL) was established in rats. Oral administration of 30 and 75 mg/kg b. wt. HILA extract to diabetic rats for 14 days caused significant reduction in FBG to baseline values observed in non-diabetic conditions. Treatment with HILA extract also showed improvement in lipid abnormalities observed in hyperglycaemic condition, levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly reduced and HDL-cholesterol increased resulting in improved artherogenic index. Hepatic GLY concentration was significantly increased in diabetic rat treated with the extract. Histological examinations showed degenerated and sparse pancreatic islets β-cells in non-treated diabetic rat, whereas microscopy of treated rats showed mild to normal architecture with enriched β-cells. Preliminary phytochemical profiling of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids (2.54 mg/g), saponins (0.28 mg/g), phenols (0.04 mg/g) and anthraquinones (0.01 mg/g). Results from this study revealed that the aqueous leaf extract of H. indicum possesses not only antihyperglycaemic, but also antidyslipidemic activities, that may prove to be of clinical importance in the management of diabetes and associated secondary complications.
Haematological Changes Associated with Administration of Therapeutic dose of P-Alaxin in Healthy Adult Wistar Rats.
(2014) Fatai A. Kareem, Ifabunmi O. Osonuga, Mutiu A. Alabo and Emmanuel O. Ajani
P-alaxin, an artemisinin based combined therapy is very effective in treating malaria infection in areas of high resistance to conventional antimalarial drugs. It is a potentially promising anti-malaria drug composed of dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine phosphate. The present study investigates the safety in-use of therapeutic dose of p-alaxin by healthy individuals. Thirty adult wistar rats of both sexes weighing between 180 and 210g were grouped into three consisting of 5 males and 5 females per group. The control group was orally administered with normal saline, the test and recovery groups were given body weight 15.4mg/Kg of P-alaxin orally for three days after which the recovery group was allowed to recover from the drug’s effect for another three days. The animals were sacrificed twenty four (24) hours after the experiment. The blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture into heparinised tubes centrifuged at 5000rpm for 10mins and was used for haematological assay. The result showed no significant difference (p≥0.05) in packed cell volume (PCV), Red blood cell count and White Blood cell count of the male rats administered with P- alaxin and the recovery group when compared with the female groups. Whereas a significant increase (p≤ 0.05) was observed in the haemoglobin (HB) level of the male rats after treatment, there was no significant change in the Haemoglobin (HB) level of the female animals when the drug was administered as well as during the recovery period. The results of this study indicate administration of p-alaxin in healthy individuals will neither induce haemolysis nor anaemia.
HSPD1, HSPB1 and VDAC1 are Over-expressed in Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast
(International Journal of Cancer Research, 2016) Mutiu A. Alabi, Olugbenga O. Adebawo, Oluwole A. Daini, Stella B. Somiari and Richard I. Somiari
Background and Objectives: The initiating steps and precise pathway of breast tumorigenesis are poorly understood and it is unclear if Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) progresses to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDCA) of the breast. This study was undertaken to identify proteins that are differentially expressed between IDCA and DCIS and that may predict the invasive potential of breast tumors. Methodology: It is utilized that the two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis technology (2D-DIGE) and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to perform proteomic analysis of IDCA (MCF-7 and BT-474) and DCIS (HCC-1500 and HCC-38) cell lines. Results: Identified 10 proteins that were differentially expressed between IDCA and DCIS (≥2-fold difference; p≤0.05) and classified the proteins according to their Gene Ontology (GO). Out of these proteins, 60 kDa mitochondrial heat shock protein (HSPD1), Heat Shock Protein Beta 1 (HSPB1) and the voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein 1 (VDAC1) are over expressed in IDCA compared to DCIS. Conclusion: The functional role of the differentially expressed proteins suggests that they may serve as biomarkers for identification of tumors with invasive potential.
Improving Nutritive Value of Fermented Cereal Porridge ‘Ogi’ By Fortifying with Bambara Nut.
(Croatian Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2018)
Ogi, a fermented cereal porridge made from maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum vulgare) or millet (Pennisetum typoideum), experiences nutritional loss during traditional method of production. Hence, this study was undertaken to improve the nutritive value of ‘Ogi’ by fortifying with Bambara nut, a nutritious legume rich in carbohydrate, moderate protein and low fat. Fortification ratio of Bambara to the commonly known substrates (maize, millet and sorghum grains) was 2:3 while the control was constituted with equal quantity of substrate without Bambara. Traditional process including steeping, grinding, sieving and souring was used. Microbiological and physicochemical analysis were carried out on the resulting fortified and unfortified Ogi at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours during primary fermentation and at 0, 24 and 48 hours during secondary fermentation. Bacteria isolated include Lactobacillus fermentum, L. plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, Flavobacterium rigense, Proteus vulgaris, Flavobacterium aquantile and Bacillus alvei and the fungi include Geotrichum candidum, G. fermentum, Penicillium atrovene, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus oryzae, etc. Reduction in pH of the fermenting substrates was noticed as fermentation progressed and this was accompanied with increase in total titratable acid (TTA) in all cases. Temperature was constant at 30 ± 2 °C. Proximate analysis of the final products revealed that more than 100% nutrient improvement in protein composition in fortified Ogi from sorghum and maize and 53.82% nutrient improvement in fortified Ogi from millet. There is also increase in the fat content of the fortified Ogi from sorghum, maize and millet by 38%, 57% and 174% respectively. Fortifying these cereals with Bambara nut also improved the ash content of sorghum and maize ‘ogi’ by 23.89% and 15.33%. The organoleptic assessment designed to measure appearance, sourness, flavour, taste, aroma/smell, acceptability and comparability among 32 untrained panellists at overall acceptability at 5% confidence level revealed that fortified Ogi made from maize was the most acceptable.
In silico molecular modeling and simulations of black tea theaflavins revealed theaflavin-3’-gallate as putative liver X receptor-beta agonist
(Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 2023-01-11) Temidayo O. Adigun, Ammar U. Danazumi, Haruna I. Umar, Asiat Na’Allah, Mutiu A. Alabi, Wisdom O. Joel, Adepeju Aberuagba, Omokolade O. Alejolowo, Joy O. Bamidele, Olakunle S. Omotayo and Oluwatobi A. Medayedupin
The low constitutive activation of Liver X receptor, an endogenous nuclear receptor with two subtypes (a and b), is a condition lying at the crossroad of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Both natural and synthetic Liver X receptor agonists have reportedly shown remarkable antiproliferative and atheroprotective effects but the repeated doses of its synthetic ones are also paradoxically associated with hyperlipidaemic effects and neurotoxicity, though attributed to the alpha subtype. This highlights the need for novel, safe, and potent LXR-beta-selective agonists. Hypocholesterolaemic effects of black theaflavins have been widely reported, but data on the exact theaflavin compound (s) responsible for these effects is currently lacking. Neither is information on the possible modulatory effects of the compound (s) on LXR-beta nor its possible implications in the context of drug development for cardiovascular diseases and cancers is explored. On this account, we investigated the potential interaction of four main theaflavin monomers (TF1, TF2A, TF2B & TF3) with human LXR-beta through robust computational modelling that entails molecular docking, free energy calculations and molecular dynamics simulations. The ligands were further profiled (in silico) for absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicological properties. Our result revealed theaflavin TF2B as a putative LXR-beta agonist, possibly responsible for the widely observed hypocholesterolaemic effect in black tea. This finding, while encouraging, needs to be experimentally verified in wet studies.

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