The Biochemical and histological effects of Kola Nitida on the pancreas biomarkers of lipid induced Wistar Rats

This study estimates the biochemical and histological effects of Kola Nitida on the Pancreas biomarkers of Wistar rats subjected to a high lipid diet. High lipid diet is known to induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and pancreatic dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate whether Kola Nitida, known for its bioactive compounds such flavonoids, caffeine, and theobromine, could protect the pancreas from lipid induced damage. The study was conducted within period of 6 months (April – September 2024). A total of 21 Male Wistar rats were purchased for this study. They were divided into five groups: Control group, Toxicity group, and three Kola Nitida-treated groups (100, 200, 300 mg/kg). After categorization of study animals, blood samples were drawn through cardiac puncture into Lithium heparin bottles using standard antiseptic techniques. Five millitres (5mls) of fasting blood samples collected from each group into Lithium heparin bottles was spun at 3500rpm for 5minutes to obtain plasma. Total cholesterol and Triglycerides were assayed based on enzymatic methods. High density Lipoprotein was assayed using precipitation and enzymatic methods, while Low density Lipoprotein (LDL) was calculated using Friedwald equation. The atherogenic indices; Castelli’s 1, Castelli’s 2 and Atherogenic Coefficient was calculated with their respective formulas. Additionally, histopathological evaluations were performed to observe structural changes in the pancreas using H&E. The results showed that the rats treated with Kola Nitida exhibited reduced and less fat deposition in the pancreas compared to the toxicity group only. Furthermore, pancreatic B-cell function was better and preserved in the Kola Nitida treated Wistar rats. The ANOVA results from the comparisons of the mean values obtained showed statistically significant difference in the Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, Low Density Lipoprotein and High-Density Lipoprotein of the Toxicity group, 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg compared with the control group. In conclusion this study clearly demonstrates that the administration of a high lipid diet and subsequent reversal with Kola Nitida induces statistically significant changes in the biological and histological parameters under investigation.