The effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) feed on cardiac biomarker in medium-dose isoproterenol-induced myocardial toxicity

OBJECTIVE

Traditional medicines have been widely used to prevent and treat diseases for thousands of years. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of ginger feed on cardiac biomarker in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty male Wistar rats were grouped into six groups of five: Control; ISO-induced toxicity; ginger fed; ginger fed before; ginger fed+ ISO simultaneously and ginger fed after. Freshly prepared solution of ISO was injected through intraperitoneal route at a dosage of 20 mg/kg, while the control received distilled water. Blood was collected via cardiac puncture after two weeks of administration, the serum was used to evaluate biomarkers.

RESULTS

The CK-MB and CK of ginger-fed groups were significantly lower compared to ISO group- 8.2±0.5 U/L and 39.36±5.28 U/L respectively, P <0.05. The CK-MB and CK levels of all ginger-fed groups showed no significant difference compared to the control- 2.2±0.3 U/L and 17. 07±3.4.90 U/L, respectively p>0.05, except ginger fed after group where they were significantly higher compared to the control. The mean value of LDH in all ginger-fed groups was lower than the ISO group (67.17±0.88 U/L; p<0.05), but significantly higher (p<0.05) than the control (26.45±2.52 U/L). The mean value of ALT in all ginger fed groups was lower than the ISO group (83.11±4.88U/L; p≤0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ginger feed hindered toxic effects of isoproterenol.

Ameliorative effect of Psidium guajava (l.) leaf aqueous extract on aluminium nitrate-induced liver damage in female Wistar rats

Background

Aluminium nitrate and other aluminium-containing compounds have been demonstrated to cause several health challenges. Psidium guajava L) is a well known cultivated tree with hepatoprotective nature and radical scavenging ability.

Methods

Twenty-five (25) female Wistar rats with average weight of 195 g were grouped into five groups (n = 5), with their weights measured and recorded weekly throughout the period of 21 days of the research. Control (group A), 32.5 mg/kg AL only (group B), 30 mg/kg AL + 250 mg/kg PGLE (group C), 20 mg/kg AL + 500 mg/kg PGLE (group D) and 10 mg/kg AL + 750 mg/kg PGLE (group E). Histological examination of the liver was done using Hematoxylin and Eosin stain.

Results

Various degenerative changes were observed in the liver architecture following aluminum nitrate administration when compared with the control group. Significant regenerative changes similar to control were observed following administration of high dose of Psidium guajava.

Conclusion

The results obtained in this study revealed that aqueous extract of Psidium guajava leaves possess good hepato-protective properties.

Cardiopulmonary health indices and diabetes risk scores in undergraduate students of a private university in Nigeria

Background

Cardiopulmonary health and its relationship with diabetes mellitus are very important but particularly underexplored in young undergraduate students of private Universities in Nigeria. This observational study investigated the effect of diabetic risk on cardiopulmonary health indices among healthy, consenting undergraduate students of a private university in Nigeria by a convenient sampling method. Cardiopulmonary health indices were assessed by anthropometry; cardiorespiratory fitness was determined by maximum oxygen uptake levels (VO2 max), blood pressure and heart rates were measured using the Bruce treadmill protocol; oxygen saturation was determined by pulse oximetry, pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry; diabetes mellitus was risk determined by fasting blood glucose levels and the FINDRISC (Finish Diabetes Risk Score questionnaire which is a validated tool, for determining Diabetes risk; heart health awareness was determined by a modification of the healthy heart questionnaire (HHQ-GP-1) which is a standardized tool for heart health awareness and practices.

Results

Results showed that the prevalence of diabetes risk was 38.8% in the sample population. The healthy heart questionnaire revealed that participants had poor diet (76%) or did little or no exercise (60%) and were also ignorant of what a normal blood pressure should be (72%). There was no significant difference between blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and heart rates after physical exercise of those at diabetes risk and those not at risk (p > 0.05). Fasting blood glucose levels between those at diabetes risk and those not at risk was significantly different (p < 0.01). The cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max) of those not at diabetic risk was not significantly higher than of those at risk (p > 0.385). Respiratory functions (vital capacity, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume) of those not at diabetic risk were higher than those at risk, showing that diabetes may impair lung function. Though this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), the result obtained cannot be disregarded.

Conclusion

Universities and higher institutions of learning should incorporate regular health promotion and education programs that focus more on healthy lifestyles, physical exercise, and proper diet.