The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a multifunctional role in lipid biosynthesis, calcium storage, protein folding, and processing. Thus, maintaining ER homeostasis is essential for cellular functions. Several pathophysiological conditions and pharmacological agents are known to disrupt ER homeostasis, thereby, causing ER stress. The cells react to ER stress by initiating an adaptive signaling process called the unfolded protein response (UPR). However, the ER initiates death signaling pathways when ER stress persists. ER stress is linked to several diseases, such as cancer, obesity, and diabetes. Thus, its regulation can provide possible therapeutic targets for these. Current evidence suggests that chronic hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia linked to type II diabetes disrupt ER homeostasis, thereby, resulting in irreversible UPR activation and cell death. Despite progress in understanding the pathophysiology of the UPR and ER stress, to date, the mechanisms of ER stress in relation to type II diabetes remain unclear. This review provides up-to-date information regarding the UPR, ER stress mechanisms, insulin dysfunction, oxidative stress, and the therapeutic potential of targeting specific ER stress pathways.

Senna italica Mill. belonging to the family Fabaceae has been used traditionally to treat various ailments diseases including skin diseases, fever, jaundice, stomachache, burns and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and the anti-inflammatory activity of the methanol leaf extract of the plant. Preliminary phytochemical screening and oral acute toxicity studies were carried out using standard protocols. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated in Wistar rats using cotton pellet-induced granuloma model at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg. Hematological and biochemical parameters were also evaluated. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, carbohydrate, alkaloids, flavonoids, and steroids. The oral median lethal dose was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. The extract reduced wet granuloma weight with percentage inhibition of 5.9%, 52.9% and 47.1 % at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg respectively compared to the negative control. At same doses, the extract showed 14.3%, 17.1% and 28.6% inhibition in weight of dry cotton pellet. A significant (p<0.05) reduction was observed in platelets, platelet lymphocyte ratio, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels.The result from this study suggests that the methanol leaf extract of Senna italica has anti-inflammatory activity supporting the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of inflammation and inflammatory related diseases.

The objective of this study is to conduct an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in management of depression among Hausa tribes in order to establish an informational data base. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in December 2015 in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Data were collected based on an oral interview with the aid of semi structured questionnaire. Only data from willing respondents were obtained and documented. Plant specimens were collected along the line, they were subsequently dried and mounted. It was then taken for identification and authentication in the Herbarium Section of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where specimen voucher numbers were deposited. Information on sources, safety, methods of preparation and administrations, identity, local and botanical names of medicinal plants used in the management of depression among Hausa tribe of Kaduna State was obtained. An informational database was established and specimen with voucher numbers was deposited in the herbarium. Key words: Ethnobotanical survey, depression, botanical names, medicinal plants, safety.

Background: Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae) is used locally in the management of depressive illnesses, and its antidepressant-like effect has been previously reported. The present study was aimed at determining the effect of the methanol extract of the stem bark of A . digitata (MEAD) on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and the possible mechanism responsible for its antidepressant activity. Methods: Acute toxicity of MEAD was determined using the OECD guideline 420. The CUMS model was used to induce depression, and behavioral tests such as sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OFT), novel-object recognition test (NORT), and tail suspension test (TST) were carried out in mice. The concentrations of plasma cortisol and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein in the brain were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed using colorimetric methods. Results: The LD ₅₀ was established to be ≥5000 mg/kg. On CUMS-induced depression, MEAD significantly (p ≤ 0.05) and dose dependently reversed the weight loss, increased the line-crossing activity in OFT, increased sucrose consumption in SPT, decreased the duration of immobility in TST, and increased the novelty exploration time in NORT. The MEAD extract significantly (p ≤ 0.05) and dose dependently increased the levels of BDNF, decreased the levels of plasma cortisol, increased the levels of total SOD activity, and decreased the levels of plasma MDA. Conclusion: Our findings show that MEAD ameliorates CUMS-induced depressive-like behavior and its effect is possibly mediated via the neuroendocrine, neurotrophic, and oxidative stress pathways.

The role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has evolved from protein synthesis, processing, and other secretory pathways to forming a foundation for lipid biosynthesis and other metabolic functions. Maintaining ER homeostasis is essential for normal cellular function and survival. An imbalance in the ER implied stressful conditions such as metabolic distress, which activates a protective process called unfolded protein response (UPR). This response is activated through some canonical branches of ER stress, i.e., the protein kinase RNA‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol‐requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). Therefore, chronic hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, increased proinflammatory cytokines, and free fatty acids (FFAs) found in diabesity (a pathophysiological link between obesity and diabetes) could lead to ER stress. However, limited data exist regarding ER stress and its association with diabesity, particularly the implicated proteins and molecular mechanisms. Thus, this review highlights the role of ER stress in relation to some proteins involved in diabesity pathogenesis and provides insight into possible pathways that could serve as novel targets for therapeutic intervention.

Management of musculoskeletal pain in retail drug outlets within a Nigerian community: a descriptive study