Mr Okoh Olayinka

Research Interests

Use of natural products to address the impact of inevitable environmental toxicants

My research interest revolves around biochemical and environmental toxicology with bioinformatics. I have investigated the use of some Nigerian indigenous vegetables to combat antioxidative stress and hepatotoxicity associated with exposure to various environmental stress. From that study, I found that there is a correlation between the water content of the vegetables used and their anti-oxidative potential. My current study is on the use of a natural product like thymoquinone (active compound in black seeds) to protect hypertensive parents and their offspring against neurodegeneration and developmental neurotoxicity. We have established that maternal exposure to inevitable environmental toxicants like Bisphenol-A analogues increases risk of neurodegeneration and neuronal dysfunction. Unfortunately, with the ban of Bisphenol-A - a confirmed neurotoxicant, Bisphenol-A analogues have become inevitable hence they are found in almost all domestic, commercial and industrial products. I am investigating how Bisphenol-B, Bisphenol-F and Bisphenol-S mixture compromises neurogenesis and neurodevelopment in hypertensive parents and their first filial generation. Furthermore, I am trying to decipher the mechanism with which a natural product, like thymoquinone (considering its multi-pharmacological properties) would ameliorate/attenuate and/or prevent neurodegeneration and developmental neurotoxicity in hypertensive maternal parents and their offspring. I have conducted various neurobehavioral assessments, in vivo biochemical toxicity experiments and immunohistochemical studies. The work focused on three (3) regions of the brain – hippocampus, striatum and pre-frontal cortex so as to unravel the impact of these environmental toxicants and thymoquinone on different functions of the brain. I have presented my works in various conferences, and the manuscripts are being prepared for publications in various journals. I am trying to decipher the mechanism with which a natural product, like thymoquinone (considering its multi-pharmacological properties) would ameliorate/attenuate and/or prevent neurodegeneration and developmental neurotoxicity in hypertensive maternal parents and their offspring. I have conducted various neurobehavioral assessments, in vivo biochemical toxicity experiments and immunohistochemical studies. The work focused on three (3) regions of the brain – hippocampus, striatum and pre-frontal cortex so as to unravel the impact of these environmental toxicants and thymoquinone on different functions of the brain.

SARS-CoV-2 in Africa

Considering the global public health implication of SARS-CoV-2 at present, I am involved in diverse studies using bioinformatics tools to study SARS-CoV-2. We have been able to study the epidemiological distribution and phylodynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Africa; and we are currently working on SARS-CoV-2 in Nigeria and Ghana.

Current Research(es)

• .I am trying to decipher the mechanism with which a natural product, like thymoquinone (considering its multi-pharmacological properties) would ameliorate/attenuate and/or prevent neurodegeneration and developmental neurotoxicity in hypertensive maternal parents and their offspring. I have conducted various neurobehavioral assessments, in vivo biochemical toxicity experiments and immunohistochemical studies. The work focused on three (3) regions of the brain – hippocampus, striatum and pre-frontal cortex so as to unravel the impact of these environmental toxicants and thymoquinone on different functions of the brain.

Journals (9)

Okoh O. S., Igwe D., Gbadegesin M. A., Odunola O. A. (2018). Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Improved and Local Accessions of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus and Abelmoschus callei) Using RAPD Markers. Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research 8(2): 1 – 10, 2018.

Oseni O. A., Okoh O. S., Kayode A. A. A. (2020). Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition and Antioxidant Potentials of Some Nigerian Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Alzheimer Disease and other Related Complications. Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research. 2020; 4(8):417-434.

Oseni, O. A., Okoh, O. S. (2020). Doxorubicin-Induced Heart and Kidney Toxicities in Female Wistar Rats: Effect of Aqueous Extract of the Sprout of Phaseolus vulgaris (L). Anchor University Journal of Science and Technology 1 (1): 116 – 125.

Kayode, A. A. Abolanle; Shahzadi, A.; Anwar, H.; Kayode, T. O.; Okoh, O. S. (2020). Brain Tumor: An overview of the basic clinical manifestations and treatment. Global Journal of Cancer Therapy 6: 38 – 41.

Kayode, A. A. A.; Muhammad, A.; Kayode, O. T.; Rida, Z.; Akinnawo, O. O.; Okoh, O. S. (2020). Awareness and Current Knowledge of Cushing’s Syndrome. Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research 31(2): 24117 – 24123.

Alaka, O. O.; Akeju, M. A.; Lanipekun, D.; Okoh, O. S. (2020). Parasites and Associated Haematological Changes in some fruit bats (Eidolon helvum and Epomops franqueti) in Southwest Nigeria. Advances In Multidisciplinary & Scientific Research Journal 6 (1): 33 – 46.

Oni, O. P.; Oseni, O. A.; Okoh, O. S. (2021). The Impact of Senna Siamea (Lam) Leaves Extracts on 2, 2-Dichloroninyl Phosphate-Induced Brain Oxidative Stress in Wistar Albino Rats. Global Journal of Medical Research: B Pharma, Drug Discovery, Toxicology & Medicine. 21(3).

Okoh, O. S.; Nii-Trebi, N. I.; Jakkari, A.; Olaniran, T. T.; Senbadejo, T. Y.; Kafintu-Kwashie, A. A.; ... & Trovão, N. S. (2022). Epidemiology and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 lineages circulating in Africa. IScience, 25(3), 103880.

Morenikeji O. B.; Adegbaju M. S.; Okoh O. S.; Babalola A. E.; Grytsay A.; Braimah O. A.; Akinyemi M. O.; and Thomas B. N. (2022). Deciphering inhibitory mechanism of coronavirus replication through host miRNAs-RNA-dependent RNA polymerase interactome. Frontiers in Genetics. 13:973252. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2022.973252.

Phone Number:

+2348030915703

Email:

[email protected]

Academic Support Hours:

Tuesday - Thursday. 12 noon - 2 pm