Onyemaechi Okpara Azu

• DPhil, Cert. Plast. (Muenchen), Cert. Clin Trials (Harvard)
• Professor at University of KwaZulu-Natal

Adverse complications like metabolic disorders, neurotoxicity, and low central nervous system (CNS) penetration are associated with the long-term use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). Therefore, some modifications are required to enhance neurological functions using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotectiv...

Introduction The sella turcica (ST) is an important anatomical landmark occasionally filled with cerebrospinal fluid in a condition known as empty sella disorder (ESS). ESS occurs when the pituitary gland contracts due to issues with the contents inside the ST and has been linked with malocclusion, which remains less explored. Aim This study inten...

Background: Clinoid space is revealed when the anterior clinoid process (ACP) is removed, and it makes anterior vertical segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) visible. Also, the presence of Carotico-clinoid foramen (CCF) makes the ICA from the cavernous sinus emerges through it and endangers the artery during anterior clinoidectomy which nec...

MVUNDLA, M. M.; OLOJEDE, S. O.; LAWAL, S. K.; NAIDU, E. C.; AZU, O. O. Morphology and morphometry of the dorsal interosseous muscles of the hand: laterality and sexual dimorphism. Int. J. Morphol., 42(3):773-778, 2024. SUMMARY: The dorsal interosseous muscles (DIM) are intrinsic muscles of the hand located dorsally between metacarpal bones, which p...

Background Nanoparticle-based drugs are new inventions in the management of the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic, especially resistant forms of the virus in anatomical sanctuary sites and organs such as the testis. However, safety issues must be resolved to attain the optimal potential of newer nano-drug formulations. Aim The study inve...

Introduction: Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has been used in the management of people living with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, the long-term effects cause diabetes and result in liver damage. Similarly, Hypoxis hemerocellidae (H.h) has been used traditionally to treat diseases including HIV and Diabetes. The study aim...

The contribution of prefrontal-hippocampal interactions to brain function of people infected with HIV may be aggravated by toxicities due to long-term use of antiretroviral agents. This study was designed to investigate the curative potential of Epigallotatechin gallate (EGCG) in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders as a possible consequenc...

Despite the development of effective combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), the neurocognitive impairments associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remain challenging. The presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCFB) impedes the adequate penetration of certain antiretroviral drugs into the brain....

Abstract Reproductive dysfunctions (RDs) characterized by impairment in testicular parameters, and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are on the rise among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients under tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). These adve...

The inception of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has changed the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients, with an improvement in life expectancy. However, neurological complications associated with high dosage and chronic administration of HAART have not been fully addressed. Therefore, this study evaluated t...

Reproductive derangement and metabolic disorders in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected persons require a nanoparticle delivery system to convey antiretroviral drugs to the anatomical sanctuary such as testis. This study investigated the effects of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the testicular oxi...

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is the highly recommended antiretroviral drug in human immunodeficiency virus management. Although research has shown the neurological and metabolic disorders associated with TDF administration, the effect of TDF-silver nanoparticles conjugate (TDF-AgNPs) on the disorders has not been fully elucidated. Thus, this...

Aim This study investigated the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as HAART-AgNPs on the sperm count, viability, serum hormonal profile, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1), and testicular ultrastructure. Methods Thirty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into diabetic and non-...

Despite advances in managing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and success in the treatment prognosis using highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The clinical efficacy of this regimen has been associated with increase adverse effects such as metabolic derangements and reproductive dysfunctions. These adverse effects necessitate a...

Background. The application of nanomedicine to antiretroviral drug delivery holds promise in reducing the comorbidities related to long-term systemic exposure to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). However, the safety of drugs loaded with silver nanoparticles has been debatable. This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of HAART-loade...

Background: The inception of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has changed the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients, and their life expectancy has improved. However, neurological complications associated with chronic HAART administration has not been fully addressed. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate t...

The inception of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has changed the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients, and their life expectancy has improved. However, neurological complications associated with chronic HAART administration has not been fully addressed. Therefore, this study evaluated the potential benefit...

Background: This paper reports a descriptive survey carried out to assess the level of awareness of students on the method of plastination and its possible implications in the roll-out and utilization of this learning resource in the Anatomy Department. In view of the recognized challenge emanating from a cadaveric material shortage across anatomy...

Introduction A significant chunk of global life – the economy, sports, aviation, academic, and entertainment activities – has significantly been affected by the ravaging outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) with devastating consequences on morbidity and mortality in many countries of the world. Methods This revi...

The management of bacterial infections, especially trains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus observe in health care settings, has markedly improved with the introduction of established drugs but using newer nano-based formulations. This study investigates the effects of vancomycin-linoleic acid nanoparticles on testicular tissue in an e...

The conjugation of nanoparticles (NPs) with antiretroviral drugs is a drug delivery approach with great potential for managing HIV infections. Despite their promise, recent studies have highlighted the toxic effects of nanoparticles on testicular tissue and their impact on sperm morphology. This review explores the role of stereological techniques...

This study evaluates the effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and Curcuma longa on testicular histology, stereological parameters, body weight and relative organ weights, seminal fluid, testosterone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, the antioxidant marker malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD...

ARTICLE INFO Keywords Foramen transversarium Cervical vertebrae Morphometric Sex Age ABSTRACT Foramen transversarium (FT) is a distinguishing characteristic of cervical vertebrae based on the vertebral vessels and sympathetic nerve it transmits. This study aimed to analyze the morphometric parameters and variations of FT of the typical cervical ver...

Momordica charantia (M. charantia) is a medicinal plant, used in traditional practice for treating diseases like hypertension and diabetes mellitus. This study investigated the possible hepato-protective effect of M. charantia following treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in diabetic rats. 48 adult male Sprague Dawley rats w...

While various neurodegenerative diseases affect cortical mass differently, finding an optimal and accurate method for measuring the thickness and surface area of cerebral cortex remains a challenging problem due to highly convoluted surface of the cortex. We therefore investigated cortical thickness in a sample of cadaveric specimens at the Discipl...

Objectives: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an important primary cause of end-stage kidney disease. This study explores the mechanisms of the reno-protective effects of Momordica charantia (M. charantia) in diabetic rats following treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen triplavar. Materials and methods: Adult male Spragu...

Dissection and prosection remain the gold standards for the teaching of anatomy to pre-clinical medical students around the world. This has made the practice of whole body donation the cornerstone of medical programmes. This study aims to determine the trends in body donation among South Africans and predict the best possible and realistic approach...

Many artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) have been approved for malaria treatment, yet reports indicate that some ACTs pose reversible testicular toxicity; however there is no comparative study of these ACTs on the testes in a curative malarial model. We investigated the ameliorative activity of six ACTs on Plasmodium berghei (PB) induce...

This study investigated the antidiabetic activity of Cinnamomum cassia (C. cassia, Cc) silver nanoparticles (CcAgNPS) and effects of C. cassia on the kidneys of rats with induced type 2 diabetes. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 ± 20 g were induced with diabetes by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg). Animals wer...

Context: While highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is very effective in treatment of HIV-infected patients, its deleterious effects on hematological and biochemical indices in hypertensive conditions are not well understood. Concomitant Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch. and C.A Mey (Hypoxideceae)-herbal therapy with HAART is a common practice...

This study investigated the antidiabetic activity of Cinnamomum cassia (C. cassia, Cc) silver nanoparticles (CcAgNPS) and effects of C. cassia on the kidneys of rats with induced type 2 diabetes. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 ± 20 g were induced with diabetes by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg). Animals wer...

HAART has brought relief to many living with HIV/ AIDS, decreasing morbidity and mortality rates. In spite of these benefits, the treatment has been associated with reproductive disorders. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of Naringenin (Nar) on the expression of testicular 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β HSD) in HAART-treated Sp...

While various neurodegenerative diseases affect cortical mass differently, finding an optimal and accurate method for measuring the thickness and surface area of cerebral cortex remains a challenging problem due to highly convoluted surface of the cortex. We therefore investigated cortical thickness in a sample of cadaveric specimens at the Discipl...

This study investigated the toxic effects of silver on the kidneys and livers of Sprague-Dawley rats after administering multiple doses of silver nanoparticles synthesized using extracts of Cinnamomum cassia (CcAgNPs). Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats (250 ± 20 g) were randomly assigned to four groups (A–D) of six animals per group and treated for 8...

Objective(s) Broad range of metabolic changes associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been reported over decades including reproductive perturbations. The current study aimed at investigating the role of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (Hyp) in the seminal and morphometric alterations in the testes of streptozotocin-nicotinamide-ind...

إن صناعة الغزل والنسيج تعد مِن الصناعات الحيوية في الاقتصاد المصري ، حيث تسهِم بشكل كبير في هيكل الصادرات المصرية , كما تعتبر صناعة الغزل والنسيج والملابس من اكبر الصناعات بمصر فيما يتعلق بعدد العمال، ومن حيث قيمة الانتاج المحلى والتصدير. كذلك تعتبر هذه الصناعة مساهما رئيسياً فى تلويث بيئة العمل والمجارى المائية ، خاصة فى عملياتها الرطبة حيث يتم اس...

Momordica charantia (M. charantia) is known for its antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the renoprotective effects of M. charantia in rats following treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen triplavar. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 178.1–220.5 g (n = 36) were divided i...

Oil extracts from Arachis Hypogea is often used clinically for the administration of exogenous hormone during the assisted reproduction. But its capacity to induce follicular growth after fertilisation to maintain the formation of progesterone has not yet been clarified. We assessed the effects of peanut oil on stem cell factors (SCF) for follicula...

Tenofovir nanoparticles are novel therapeutic intervention in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection reaching the virus in their sanctuary sites. However, there has been no systemic toxicity testing of this formulation despite global concerns on the safety of nano drugs. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the toxicity of Tenofo...

Introduction: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and HIV/AIDS have been demonstrated to induce endocrine/metabolic dysfunction with a consequential increase in morbidity/mortality due to organ toxicities. This study aimed at investigating the possible protective effect of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (HH) against metabolic and hepatic histomor...

The consumption of alcohol by people living with HIV/AIDS is associated with a graver prognosis. Long-term use of antiretrovirals may have certain health challenges that may be aggravated by concomitant alcohol use. This study investigated virgin coconut oil (VCO) as an adjuvant to the deleterious effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HA...

The effects of Virgin coconut oil as an adjuvant to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were investigated on the testicular ultrastructure and biochemical markers in rats. Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 153-169 g were divided into four groups and treated as follows: control A (distilled water), B (HAART), C (HAART+Virgin coconut...

Despite the devastating toll of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) on morbidity and mortality, the changing epidemiologic landscape has been largely due to the successful introduction and rollout of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Together with lifestyle changes, HAART has led to impro...

Highly active antiretroviral therapy has evolved over the years, leading to a boost in the quality of life in people living with HIV and AIDS. However, growing evidence has shown that highly active antiretroviral therapy has deleterious effects on the testes and the overall reproductive capacity. Therefore, this study is to determine the adjuvant p...

Introduction: Wide spectrum of alterations associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been reported. The current study aimed at evaluating the role of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (HH) aqueous extract on the testosterone levels, expression of androgen receptors and collagen fibers in the testes of streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induce...

The prevalence of alcohol use among HIV-infected patients undergoing antiretroviral (ARV) treatments has raised several concerns related to key therapeutic indices. These include drug interactions, compliance, efficacy and toxicity with the possibility of accelerated disease progression. Interaction of ARVs with alcohol can result in therapeutic fa...

The morphological characteristics of the humeral bone has been investigated in recent times with studies showing varying degrees of sexual dimorphism. Osteologists and forensic scientists have shown that sex determination methods based on skeletal measurements are population specific, and these population-specific variations are present in many bod...

Background: There is paucity of literature regarding the nephrotoxicity of antiretroviral drugs and its interaction with plantbased adjuvants. This study investigates the attenuating effect of kolaviron in nevirapine- therapy on the histological structure of the kidneys of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Objective: To determine the attenuating infl...

Lumbar vertebral dimensions provide vital clinical information of immense diagnostic benefits to medical experts. The present study provides data for lumbar vertebral dimensions of a cohort of specimens of South African females and males. Measurements were obtained from lumbar vertebrae from the osteological collections in the Discipline of Clinica...

Increased access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has made the management of drug toxicities an increasingly crucial component of HIV. This study investigated the effects of adjuvant use of coconut oil and HAART on testicular morphology and seminal parameters in Sprague- Dawley rats. Twelve adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 15...

Background: Nephrotoxicity has become an important public health problem following the success recorded with highly active antiretroviral therapy and there is paucity of literature reporting the attenuating influence of plant-based adjuvants that can mitigate the effects. Methods: Sixty three adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 9 gr...

Although the successful introduction and rollout of antiretroviral therapy has impacted positively on morbidity and mortality of HIV-positive patients, its interaction with plant-based adjuvants remain sparsely investigated. We report the interaction and effects of adjuvant treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and Hypoxis hem...

Introduction: Ossification of the superior transverse scapular ligament is one of the factors considered in the classification of the suprascapular notch based on shape. Variation in morphology of the superior transverse scapular ligament is always considered a critical factor in the diagnosis of suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome. Case Report...

Testicular toxicity has been implicated in highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) treatment. Hence there is need to identify an effective antioxidant product that can alleviate testicular necrosis due to HAART administration. Forty eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. The animals were divided into eight (8) groups: A...

As the roll-out of antiretroviral therapy continues to drive downwards morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs), organ toxicities (especially the liver) are frequently becoming a major concern for researchers, scientists and healthcare planners. This study was conducted to investigate the possible protective effect of Hypoxis...

The suprascapular notch (SSN) is important, as it is a risk factor in the development of suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome. The purpose of this study is to describe the morphology of the SSN of a sample of normal scapulae in the Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, University of KwaZulu Natal. Sixty scapulae were used consisting of 37 males and 23...

To study the protective effect of Red Palm Oil (RPO) on testicular damage induced by administration of lead acetate on male Sprague-Dawley rats, 28 rats divided into four groups of 7 animals each were used. They were administered orally with RPO (1 mL and 2 mL) and lead acetate (i.p.) 6 mg/kg body weight/day, respectively. Treatment was conducted f...

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has accelerated many aspects of medical education acquisition, driving it towards more evidence-based platforms. We undertook to evaluate anatomy students’ knowledge of computers and information communication technology application in the various departments of anatomy in medical schools. This survey w...

We investigated the effects of kolaviron (Kv) on the histoarchitecture of the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and the gonads with a view to determining its relationship to infertility in female Wistar rats. Thirty adult female Wistar rats were divided into six groups (A–F) with each consisting of five animals per group. Group A (control) received...

The increased accessibility of antiretroviral therapy continues to positively drive the reduction in viral load and survival of patients despite the attendant reproductive toxicities. We propose that testicular damage caused by highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can be attenuated by antioxidant treatment by investigating the testicular hi...

As antiretroviral therapy becomes increasingly accessible, the associated improvements in the health, quality of life, and survival of patients are anticipated to influence the fertility determinants of patients. Therefore, the understanding of testicular histology in patients with HIV/AIDS undergoing therapeutic management is essential, because th...

Studies by researchers suggest that reductions in blood flow to the testis could play an important role in the pathogenesis of male infertility. As this oxygendependent organ functions in a state of near anoxia, such a decrease in blood flow may very likely have profound effects on the tissue morphology that ultimately would predispose to various f...

Introduction. Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor antiretroviral agent used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. This study was to investigate the effects of coadministration of neurovite and lamivudine on the histomorphology of the cerebellum of Wistar rats. Materials and Methods. Twenty Wistar...

Background: Long term alcohol use has been implicated in men with sexual disorders including suppression of testosterone levels as well as testicular morphological changes. Objective: This research investigated the ability of Telfairia occidentalis (T.O.) to attenuate the damaging effects of alcohol on the testicular parameters. Materials and Met...

Background: Long term alcohol use has been implicated in men with sexual disorders including suppression of testosterone levels as well as testicular morphological changes. Objective: This research investigated the ability of Telfairia occidentalis (T.O.) to attenuate the damaging effects of alcohol on the testicular parameters. Materials and Metho...

Background: The effects of vasectomy on spermatogenesis and reproductive parameters are recognized to be speciedependent with marked differences in levels of perturbations observed. Objectives: To assess the impact of unilateral vasectomy on testosterone level and other testicular parameters in the male African giant rat (AGR) (Cricetomys gambianus...

Background: Trends in career choice amongst medical graduates have considerable implications for the percentage of the workforce available for training. Objective: To investigate and review factors affecting career choice by undergraduate firstyear medical students. Method: This was a cross-sectional study using a closed-ended, semi-structured surv...

The effects of vasectomy on spermatogenesis and reproductive parameters are recognized to be specie-dependent with marked differences in levels of perturbations observed. To assess the impact of unilateral vasectomy on testosterone level and other testicular parameters in the male African giant rat (AGR) (Cricetomys gambianus). Sixteen adult male A...

Trends in career choice amongst medical graduates have considerable implications for the percentage workforce available for training. The aim of the study was to investigate and review factors affecting career choice by undergraduate first-year medical students. This is a cross-sectional study using a closed-ended, semistructured survey instrument....

Our world harbors a rich source of medicinal plants which are used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Kigelia africana popularly known as the Sausage tree, cucumber plant, Kigelia pinnata, is a multipurpose medicinal plant with many attributes and considerable potentials. Some of these include its use for treatment of gynaecological diso...

Dr. Gunther von Hagens developed plastination as a technique of tissue preservation in 1977. He used a delicate method of forced impregnation with curable polymers like silicone, epoxy or polyester resins for preservation of anatomical specimens. With plastination, every part of a biological tissue is treated, preserving it for educational purposes...

Background: Trends in career choice amongst medical graduates have considerable implications for the percentage of the workforce available for training. Objective: To investigate and review factors affecting career choice by undergraduate firstyear medical students. Method: This was a cross-sectional study using a closed-ended, semi-structured surv...

With nearly two decades following the introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in the management of HIV/AIDS, tremendous success has been recorded in the control of HIV replication and overall wellbeing and longevity of afflicted patients. But this success has not been complete as HAART strategy still suffers from a myriad of is...

As antiretroviral therapy becomes increasingly accessible, the associated improvements in health, quality of life and the survival of patients are anticipated to influence the fertility determinants of patient's specifically young males within the reproductive axis. Therefore the understanding of testicular histology in patients with HIV/AIDS under...

To assess the incidence of ectopic pregnancy (EP) in St. Luke's Hospital, Anua in Uyo metropolis, Nigeria. Data on EP incidence in developing countries are rare and often out of date, particularly in Nigeria.

Over the past decade, the role of anatomical teaching in the undergraduate medical curriculum has changed considerably. At some medical schools, active dissection of cadaveric specimens is gradually being replaced by prosection-based methods and other resources such as e-learning, use of plastinated materials and models. Academic faculties in some...

Background: Anatomy graduates in Nigeria face a lot of career uncertainties with a narrow career prospect and consequent employment challenges in a country where unemployment is high.Method: A total of 258 structured questionnaires were administered to lecturers and students attending the 10th annual conference of Society for Experimental and Clini...

Anatomy graduates in Nigeria face a lot of career uncertainties with a narrow career prospect and consequent employment challenges in a country where unemployment is high. Method: A total of 258 structured questionnaires were administered to lecturers and students attending the 10 annual conference of Society for Experimental and Clinical Anatomy (...

Studies have shown that severe burns affect male fertility through hormonaldisequilibrium while similar cases in female are poorly understood. Therefore,in the present investigation we set out to study how third degree burn(TDB) disrupts ovarian histology and hormonal milieu. Fifteen adult femalealbino Wistar rats, weighs 150 – 200g were used in...

Experimental cryptorchidism has been associated with increased apoptotic degeneration of spermatogenic cells resulting in increased free radical production. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of L-arginine on semen parameters, histology and the antioxidant activities on induced cryptorchid rat testis. Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats w...