Browsing by Author "Kimaro, Wahabu Hamisi"

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The emerging roles of the calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated t-lymphocytes pathway in nervous system functions and diseases
(Hindawi, 2016) Kipanyula, Maulilio John; Kimaro, Wahabu Hamisi; Seke Etet, Paul F
The ongoing epidemics of metabolic diseases and increase in the older population have increased the incidences of neurodegen- erative diseases. Evidence from murine and cell line models has implicated calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T-lymphocytes (NFAT) signaling pathway, a Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent major proinflammatory pathway, in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Neurotoxins such as amyloid-β, tau protein, and α-synuclein trigger abnormal calcineurin/NFAT signaling activities. Additionally increased activities of endogenous regulators of calcineurin like plasma membrane Ca 2+ -ATPase (PMCA) and regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) also cause neuronal and glial loss and related functional alterations, in neurodegenerative diseases, psychotic disorders, epilepsy, and traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Treatment with calcineurin/NFAT inhibitors induces some degree of neuroprotection and decreased reactive gliosis in the central and peripheral nervous system. In this paper, we summarize and discuss the current understanding of the roles of calcineurin/NFAT signaling in physiology and pathologies of the adult and developing nervous system, with an emphasis on recent reports and cutting-edge findings. Calcineurin/NFAT signaling is known for its critical roles in the developing and adult nervous system. Its role in physiological and pathological processes is still controversial. However, available data suggest that its beneficial and detrimental effects are context-dependent. In view of recent reports calcineurin/NFAT signaling is likely to serve as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases and conditions. This review further highlights the need to characterize better all factors determining the outcome of calcineurin/NFAT signaling in diseases and the downstream targets mediating the beneficial and detrimental effects.
Morphological study of the effect of the cytoskeletal disruptingagent carbendazim on the oviduct of the japanese quail (coturnix coturnix japonica)
(University of Pretoria, 2012) Kimaro, Wahabu Hamisi
Carbendazim (methyl-2-benzimidazole carbamate), a derivative of N-substituted esters of carbamic acid, is widely used as a fungicide on field crops. Carbendazim is of major concern to human and animal health due to the presence of its metabolites and residues in the environment. Several studies have shown the effect of carbendazim on the reproductive systems of male mammals and birds. Relatively little is known of the effect of carbendazim on the female reproductive tract. Therefore, this study was undertaken to establish the effect of carbendazim on the morphological, histochemical and immunohistochemical features of selected regions of the oviduct in the Japanese quail. The functional implication for each region was also considered.