Anatomy

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/7028

Browse

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7

A comparative cross sectional study of the morphological relationship between the superficial and deep gray matter structures in a random sample of cadaveric adult human brains in the Discipline of Clinical Anatomy at University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2015) Haghegh, Eman Yacob.; Azu, Onyemaechi Okpara.; Naidu, Edwin Coleridge Stephen.
Background: While various neurodegenerative diseases affect the cortical mass and mass of deep gray matter differently, finding an optimal and accurate method for measuring thickness and surface area of the cerebral cortex remains a challenging problem due to the highly convoluted surface of the cortex. We therefore investigated the superficial and deep gray matter thickness and surface area in a sample of cadaveric specimens at the Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to provide some clue as to possible variations in these parameters. Materials and Method: With ethical approval, 60 brain samples were uniformly sectioned at 5mm thickness and eight slices containing the deep nuclei were taken from each brain and stained by Mulligan’s technique. Thickness was measured at selected angles 0º, 45º, 90º, 135º and 180º for both right and left cerebral hemispheres. The cortical thickness and surface area of selected slices for both the superficial cortex and the corresponding deep nuclei were measured. Results: Mulligan’s stain produced good gray mater differentiation and clear images that enabled manual delineation of structures. There was rightward asymmetry of cortical thickness of the selected slices at the suggested angles which corresponded to structurally and functionally important brain regions. There was a positive correlation between the mean surface area of superficial cortex and deep nuclei across the regions of interest (ROI). Discussion and Conclusion: Baseline data from 55 brain samples provided a range of means and 95% confidence intervals for the three parameters of cortical thickness, cortical surface area and surface area of deep nuclei to be made for a reference table comprising eight coronal slices taken at five angles. This allows an objective assessment of thinning of the cortex or loss of deep gray matter to be made from measurements of the same parameters for the equivalent slices from a postmortem brain slice or an appropriate radiographic image.
Effects of momordica charantia on the kidney following antiretroviral therapy in male diabetic and non-diabetic animal model.
(2019) Offor, Ugochukwu.; Azu, Onyemaechi Okpara.; Naidu, Edwin Coleridge Stephen.
Introduction Management of HIV/AIDS has been successful with the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Consequently, the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has further increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV/AIDS and this has become a standard regimen in clinical practice. However, discordant views have been reported regarding its effects on the kidney; with a dearth of literature on the impact of HAART in a diabetic comorbid state on the renal morphology and the possible role of plant-based adjuvant. This study investigated the effect of mormodica charantia (M. charantia) on the kidney following HAART regimen (triplavar) and its impact in diabetic nephropathy (DN) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods 78 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into non-diabetic and diabetic groups. Rat models of diabetes were successfully established by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mg/kg body weight). Animals were administered an adjuvant treatment of M. charantia and HAART regimen (triplavar) according to protocols. On the 10th week, animals were euthanized with an overdose of halothane and kidney tissues were harvested and processed for light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Blood samples were obtained via cardiac puncture and centrifuged to collect the serums for biochemical analysis. Urine samples were collected at 3weeks interval during the 10 weeks experimental period for analysis of renal function test. Body weight and blood glucose levels (BGL) were measured once a week during the 10 weeks treatment. Results In the non-diabetic group, HAART alone treated rats showed renal dysfunction which were characterized by raised levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr), microalbuminuria and gross electrolyte disturbances (Sodium and Potassium) as well as urea retention. Also, levels of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase-CAT and glutathione peroxidase-GPx) were significantly decreased in these groups together with an increased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) resulting in free radical formation via auto-oxidation. More so, the histopathological results displayed severe glomerular capillary abnormalities with inflammatory cellular infiltrations. This correlated with TEM analysis that showed swollen mitochondrial in the endothelium and thickness of the basement membrane with overexpression of extracellular matrix. Furthermore, there were upregulation of circulating neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) following HAART alone treatment. In the diabetic groups consistent raised levels of blood glucose which remained peaked from the 5th week of experiment were seen in the diabetic control and HAART treated group. There were increased levels of both BUN and Scr. Renal function test showed leakage of albumin, retention of renal electrolytes (sodium and potassium) and high concentration of urea in the urine of diabetic control and HAART treated group. Activities of antioxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT) and levels of GSH were markedly decreased with an increased level of Malondiadehyde (MDA). Significant (p<0.05) upregulation of the gene expression profiles (NGAL, KIM-1 and TNF- α) were also seen. Qualitative light microscopic result using hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) stains showed glomerular capillary abnormalities and tubular epithelial damage. These findings correlated with other special stains (PAS and MT) which showed high proportion of glycogen, glycoproteins as well as mild deposition of collagen fibers and hyaline substances respectively. TEM analysis displayed an abnormally increased thickness of basement membrane which reflects the existence of endothelial damage (diabetic control). By contrast, following adjuvant treatment with M. charantia, (low and high dose) these abnormalities were significantly reduced thus suggesting a protective effect of M. charantia on the kidney. Conclusion M. charantia extract administration improved blood glucose levels, maintained renal electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium), reinstated renal function (BUN and Scr) restored histoarchitectural and ultrastructural patterns and prevented DN development in an STZ-induced diabetic rat model. Keywords: HAART, Nephrotoxicity, Diabetic nephropathy, TEM, M. charantia, Sprague-Dawley rats, Histoarchiteture
Hepatic histomorphological changes following highly active antiretroviral therapy and the intervention of hypoxis hemerocallidea in an experimental animal model.
(2015) Kharwa, Salem.; Azu, Onyemaechi Okpara.; Naidu, Edwin Coleridge Stephen.
Introduction Hepatotoxicity has remained a serious complication limiting the efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen. While this challenge continues to exist, finding possible solutions continues to attract scientific solutions. Materials and Method: Sixty- three adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the study and were divided into 9 groups (A-I). Group A received HAART cocktail (Lamivudine, Stavudine & Nevirapine), Group B received HAART and H. hemerocallidea extract (100 mg/kgbw), Group C received HAART and H. hemerocallidea extract (200 mg/kgbw), Group D received HAART and vitamin C, Group E received HAART and vitamin E, Group F received HAART, vitamin C and vitamin E, Group G received H. hemerocallidea extract (100 mg/kgbw), Group H received H. hemerocallidea extract (200 mg/kgbw), and Group I received water as placebo. The experiment lasted for 56 days after which, the animals were sacrificed, the liver were harvested and prepared for histological examination and blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture and centrifuged to get the serum for biochemical assessment. Results While no mortality was reported, animals treated with adjuvant HAART and AP recorded least %body weight gain. Significant derangements in serum lipid profiles were exacerbated by treatment of with AP as LDL (increased p<0.03), TG (increased p<0.03) with no change in total cholesterol levels. Adjuvant AP with HAART recorded reduced LDL (p<0.05 and 0.03), increased HDL (p<0.05) and TG (p<0.05 and 0.001). Markers of liver injury assayed showed significant increase (p<0.003, 0.001) in AST in AP alone as well as HAART+ vitamins C and E groups respectively. Adjuvant HAART and AP and vitamins C and E also caused significant declines in ALT and ALP levels. Serum GGT were not markedly altered. Histopathological derangements ranged from severe hepatocellular distortions, necrosis and massive fibrosis following co-treatment of HAART with vitamins C and E as well as HAART alone. Conclusion The results warrant caution on the adjuvant use of H. hemerocallidea with HAART by PLWHAs as implications for hepatocellular injuries are suspect with untoward cardio metabolic changes. More vigilant monitoring of patients at risk of antiretroviral toxicity is necessary and may prove helpful.
Investigating the effects of Cinnamomum-cassia nanoparticle conjugate on the Histomorphology of the kidney in type 2 diabetic rats.
(2019) Kouame, Koffi.; Azu, Onyemaechi Okpara.; Naidu, Edwin Coleridge Stephen.; Peter, Aniekan Imu.
Introduction Diabetic nephropathy remains one of the biggest complications of diabetes. The incidence is increasing and more patients are experiencing progressive kidney failure due to lack of hyperefficient treatment. This study investigated the antidiabetic activity of Cinnamomum cassia silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) [(CcAgNPs)] and its effects on the kidneys of Sprague-Dawley rats induced with type 2 diabetes following administration of Streptozotozin. Materials and methods Adult healthy, pathogen-free male Sprague-Dawley rats, of a total number of 65 (N=65), weighing 250.0 ± 20 g were divided into 10 groups. Groups A-E (positive controls) consists of 30 rats, with 6 rats per group and the experimental groups F-J, consists of 35 rats, with 7 animals per group. Diabetes was induced in animals using Streptozotocin 60 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally. The animals were subjected to various treatments with Cc (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) and CcAgNPs (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg). The treatments were administered orally using orogastric gavage and administration was carried out daily following treatment protocol for 56 days. The selected protocol for the experiment was officially approved by the Animal Ethics Committee (protocol reference number: AREC/74/016D). Cinnamomum cassia Silver Nanoparticles (CcAgNPs) was synthesized using the green option and characterized using UV (ultraviolet)–TEM (Transmission electron microscopy)-FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) –XRD (X-ray powder diffraction), prior to administration. The animals were sacrificed on day 56. Blood and urine samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The kidneys were examined for histopathological changes using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), periodic acid Schiff and Masson’s trichrome staining. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Stereological studies were carried out as well. Results Urinalysis showed extensive protein and albumin deposits in the urine. Ketones and nitrites levels which are markers of renal function were significantly lower (p< 0.05) in groups treated with CcAgNPs compared to negative controls. Urea and creatinine were also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in treated groups compared to negative controls. The levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) was significantly different across all groups (p < 0.05). Serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in CcAgNPs compared to controls. Liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase) ALT was reduced significantly in groups treated with a low dose of CcAgNPs compared to negative controls. In the group treated with high dose (10 mg/kg) of CcAgNPs, (Aspartate transaminase) AST levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05), compared to the group treated with Cc (Cinnamomum cassia) and to the negative control. Stereological studies showed significantly decreased (p < 0.05) number of glomeruli and tubules in groups treated with Cc and CcAgNPs, compared to the negative control. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) revealed the thickness of glomerular basement membrane, in experimental groups, compared to positive controls. Histopathology of renal tissue showed severe glomerular distortion, tubular lesions with H & E and thickening of the basement membrane; pyknotic nuclei and vacuolization with PAS and MT, in the untreated negative control group. Positive controls showed regular glomeruli with normal Bowman’s capsular space, normal basement membrane and regular capillary network compared to negative controls. The degree of histopathological changes in the glomeruli and tubules appear to be dose-dependent. Conclusion Diabetes negatively alters the cytoarchitecture and biochemistry of the kidneys of Sprague-Dawley rats while Cinnamomum cassia Silver Nanoparticles have the potential to ameliorate these changes. The possible pathway involved CcAgNPs may provoke the release of insulin-like, as well as the thioredoxin (Trx), which is one of the central antioxidants that can alleviate renal injuries in diabetic nephropathy. Keywords: Cinnamomum cassia; silver nanoparticles; diabetes; histomorphology
Morphometric studies on sexual dimorphism, variations and dimension of foramen transversarium in a KwaZulu-Natal population, South Africa.
(2019) Zaw, Aung Khaing.; Naidu, Edwin Coleridge Stephen.; Rennie, Carmen Olivia.; Azu, Onyemaechi Okpara.
The foramen transversarium (FT) of the cervical vertebrae serves as an essential landmark in medical imaging procedure and surgery, owing to their anatomical structure in relation to the associated neurovascular bundles. The aim of this study was to analyse the morphometric parameters and variations of the FT with regards to sexual dimorphism, laterality and age within the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) population, South Africa. One hundred and thirty (130) dried human typical cervical bones from KZN population of known sex and age (67 males and 63 females with age ranges from 12 to 89) without any degeneration or deformity were sourced from the bone collection at the Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The morphometric analyses were performed using Markus Bader (MB) Ruler, the digital screen ruler and subjected to RStudio statistical analysis. The results indicated that the morphometric parameters of the FT were greater in males compared to females (p< 0.05). The values of the right sides were higher than that on the left sides except, for the transverse diameter where higher values were observed on the left side of male specimens. Based on the shape of normal FT inspection, the type 1 was predominant (43.85%) shapes, followed by type 3 (23.08%) and least common were type 2 and type 7 (0.77%) on the left side. Type 1 had the higher value (46.16%) on the right side, followed by type 3 (20%) and, type 2 was the least in this study. The variation in number of FT in relation to sex revealed the presence of normal foramen (62.31%, male with 30.77% and female with 31.54%) and double foramen (36.92%, male with 20% and female with 16.92%). More so, it was also observed that, the frequency of bilateral double foramen was common in males (11.54%) compared to females (6.92%). The result of this study has demonstrated that risk of injury to neurovascular structures associated with FT may be common on the left side, in female and especially in age groups less than < 20 and ≥ 60 years of age. Keywords: Foramen Transversarium, Cervical vertebrae, Variations, Sexual Dimorphism, Morphometric.
Renal histomorphological changes following highly active antiretroviral therapy : possible role of Hypoxis hemerocallidea in an experimental animal model.
(2015) Offor, Ugochukwu.; Azu, Onyemaechi Okpara.; Naidu, Edwin Coleridge Stephen.
Background: Nephrotoxicity has become an important public health problem following highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and there is paucity of literature reporting the attenuating influence of plant based adjuvants that can mitigate the effects. The study investigates the role Hypoxis hemerocallidea (H. hemerocallidea) extract following HAART in an experimental animal model. Materials and Method: Sixty- three adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the study and were divided into 9 groups (A-I). Group A received HAART cocktail (Lamivudine, Stavudine & Nevirapine), Group B received HAART and H. hemerocallidea extract (100 mg/kgbw), Group C received HAART and H. hemerocallidea extract (200 mg/kgbw), Group D received HAART and vitamin C, Group E received HAART and vitamin E, Group F received HAART, vitamin C and vitamin E, Group G received H. hemerocallidea extract (100 mg/kgbw), Group H received H. hemerocallidea extract (200 mg/kgbw), and Group I received water as placebo. The experiment lasted for 56 days after which, the animals were sacrificed, the kidneys were harvested and prepared for haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) histological examination and blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture and centrifuged to get the serum for blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine analyses. Results: Kidney weight changes were not significant except for group A that recorded a significant increase (p<0.05) and group B that recorded lowest body weight when compared with the control. Organbody weight ratios were significantly higher in group A and group F (p<0.05). Adjuvant treatment with H. hemerocallidea (in groups B and C) with HAART resulted in increased organ-body ratio, but however not significant. Serum Creatinine (SCR) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were statistically elevated in HAART-treated animals (p<0.05, 0.001). SCR levels in group D was significantly reduced (p<0.05) but however, significantly elevated in groups B, C, G and H (p<0.001). Groups B and C, as well as groups F and H resulted in higher BUN values (p<0.05). The histological appearance of group A was highly compromised. When treated concomitantly with H. hemerocallidea (at both dosages), no attenuating influence was seen. However, low dose of H. hemerocallidea showed improved histological layout as compared to the high dose. Co-administration of HAART and combined dose of vitamin C and E did not improve the histoarchitecture. Conclusion Adjuvant treatment with H. hemerocallidea extract did not attenuate the nephrotoxicity of HAART in this model.
Testicular morphological and biochemical perturbations in experimental animals under antiretroviral therapy and the role of Naringenin, a bioactive flavonoid.
(2018) Adana, Misturah Yetunde.; Azu, Onyemaechi Okpara.; Naidu, Edwin Coleridge Stephen.
Declining male fertility is one of the neglected concerns of people living with HIV/AIDS in spite of a dual outlook of a social and a health dilemma. This issue of infertility is particularly relevant as majority of affected individuals are in their reproductive years. This thesis examines the impacts of the Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) Tenofovir/ Emtricitabine and Efavirenz (TDF/FTC/EFV) on the male reproductive capacity. It also explores the protective potentials of a bioactive flavonoid, Naringenin in testicular perturbations. The study was motivated by two major research questions namely: (1) what are the impacts of the recently approved first line antiretroviral therapy for adults FDC, TDF/FTC/EFV on the testes? (2) What is the role of Naringenin in alleviating testicular perturbations induced by HAART? Previous studies point to the negative impacts of the older generation of FDC of HAART on the semen quality and histomorphometry of the testes following a long-term use. The study addresses both the long-term and short-term use of antiretroviral drugs as observed in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The research assesses the impacts of the drugs on the reproductive capability as well. Findings from this study support the argument that the negative effects of the drugs were consequent upon both the short-term and long-term use. To illustrate this hypothesis, the study was conducted in two distinct phases. The first phase which lasted a total of 28 days considered the duration of PEP or PrEP. The second phase which lasted a total of ten weeks captured all the stages of spermatogenesis in rats. In this phase male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to fertile females after the treatments. The study thus advances an understanding of the mechanism of HAART-induced testicular injury. A therapeutic dose of TDF/FTC/EFV adjusted for animal weight was aministered on a total of 48 animals randomly divided into 6 equal groups each with a different treatment as follows; Group A: Control (Distilled water); Group B: HAART (TDF/FTC/EFV), Group C: Naringenin, 40 mg/kg; Group D: Naringenin, 80 mg/kg; Group E: HAART + Naringenin, 40 mg/kg; Group F: HAART+ Naringenin, 80 mg/kg. At the end of each phase, harvested testes were subjected to histomorphometry and ultrastructural analysis. The caudal epididymis was assessed for semen parameters and sperm mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragmentation. Biochemical parameters such as serum levels of reproductive hormones (Luteinizing hormone and Testosterone) and intratesticular antioxidant enzyme activities were assayed. Contrary to prior beliefs, this research reveals that the immediate effects following short-term use of HAART are far more deleterious. This finding is consequent upon the significant drop in the sperm count (p˂0.001) and sperms with normal morphology (p˂0.001) compared to (p˂0.01) in the long-term. Histomorphometric analysis also revealed a significantly shrunken seminiferous tubule following a short-term use. These outcomes were associated with an increase in the mtDNA fragmentation in group B when compared to control (p˂0.05). Naringenin reversed abnormalities in groups E and F, displaying better semen parameters in both count and motility. Serum levels of testosterone were altered in both phases. The overall effects of all these changes were observed in the pregnancy rate which reduced in group B when compared to all the other groups. This study established that HAART has deleterious effects on the testicular microanatomy and function. These effects may impact on steroidogenesis and ultimately spermatogenesis. It consequently impairs fertility while Naringenin promises to be a potential complimentary adjuvant especially in the short term therapies. Keywords: HAART, semen parameters, reproductive hormones, testicular ultrastructure, 3 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

Browse

Browsing Anatomy by Author "Azu, Onyemaechi Okpara."