Tonkiri Ayakeme ¹, G. O. Ibeh ¹, M. N. Nwinuka ¹, N. C. Nwachoko ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Port-Harcourt

Abstract

The effect of garlic extract on cadmium-induced toxicity in wistar albino rats was examined. The administration of cadmium reduced the total body weight of rats by 3.16% after one-week treatment with 15mg/kg bwt/day. Cotreatment for another 2 weeks with 15mg/kg bwt/day + 0.5ml/100g bwt/day (CdGa) and 15mg/kg bwt/day + 1ml/100g bwt/day (CdGaGa) considerably increased the total body weight of the rats. Cadmium administration increases the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels; reduced reduced-glutathione and catalase activities in kidneys of rats considerably compared the control. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and bone calcium levels were significantly(p±0.05) decreased by the administration of cadmium. The toxic effect caused by the administration of cadmium was shown to be ameliorated by garlic resulting to the reduction of the physiological effects mentioned above. Therefore, the result showed that adequate doses of garlic extract will alleviate the biochemical alterations in kidneys and bones.

Keywords

Garlic, Cadmium, Alkaline Phosphatise and Malondialdehyde

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C. U. Ogunka-Nnoka ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ², N. C. Nwachoko ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Chemistry, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, NG
2 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, NG

Abstract

The effect of ethanol/potash extract of the leaf sheath of Sorghum bicolor on the histology and serum enzymes was investigated using wistar albino rat placed in four groups of five rats each. The following quantities: 1000, 2000 and 3000mg of the extract was administered orally to the albino rats per kg body weight, while 0.5ml of 0.9% normal saline solution served as control to the fourth group. The rats were dissected after 14 days. Results for Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ranges as follows: 30-46 U/L, 07/137 U/L and 38-130U/L respectively. The high values of these liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP) relative to control values are indicative of severe intra hepatic cell damage. Histopathological examination also, revealed lesion or alteration in the morphological features of the liver and kidney in all the animals. This sample used in the management of anaemia has been observed in rats under the conditions of this study to be toxic to both the liver and the kidney.

Keywords

Sorghum bicolor, Ethanol/potash, Serum Enzyme, Histological, Albino Rat

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S. C. Onuoha ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ¹, N. C. Nwachoko ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port, Harcourt, Choba, NG

Abstract

The invivo effects of three oral hypoglycaemic drugs viz., daonil (a glIbenclamide), diabenese (a sulphonylurea) and glucophage (a metformin) on erythrocyte nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) methaemoglobin reductase activity of Wister albino rats (Rattus rattus) were monitored at drug concentrations of 0.00, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03mg/200g body weight. The effects of the drugs were monitored for fourteen days at intervals of 1, 2 , 6 and 14 day(s) followed by administration of each drug. Three rats were used per each drug concentration per time interval (days). NADPH activity was measured at pH 8.0 and at 37°C. Glucophage activated NADPH methaemoglobin reductase activity in a concentration dependent manner with optimal activity obtained at a concentration of 0.03mg/200g body weight and on the sixth day of drug administration. For instance, at drug concentrations of 0.00, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03mg/200g body weight and at 6th day of administration, NADPH activity (IU/L) of 1.56 ± 0.04, 5.33+ 0.20, 7.45 ± 0.53 and 12.49 ± 0.62 were obtained for glucophage . The increase in enzyme activity following drug administration was progressive with time duration (in days). Maximum effect was obtained on the sixth day, which declines on the 14th day. At the same concentrations, the activities of NADPH methaemoglobin reductase for daonil were: 1.56 ± 0.03, 0.92 ± 0.09, 0.94 ± 0.11, 1.17 ± 0.01 respectively. Thus, there was an inhibitory effect when daonil was administered (P<0.05) while for diabenese there was no significant effect at P<0.05. Thus, only glucophage displayed a significant increase in activity (P<0.05). The implications of these findings to the functional integrity of erythrocytes are discussed in this work.

Keywords

Hypoglycemia, NADPH, Erythrocyte, Daonil, Diabenese, Glucophage

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N. F. Okoye ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ¹, D. C. Belonwu ¹, N. C. Nwachoko ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. P.M.B 5323, Port Harcourt, NG

Abstract

Microgynon (0.15mg levonorgestrel and 0.03mg ethinylestradiol), is an oral contraceptives Primolut -N a mini pill (5mg norethisterone) were analysed for their in-vivo effects on albino rat plasma sodium and potassium levels. Studies showed that the drugs decreased sodium levels with microgynon showing the highest decrease of 29.85% at highest concentration level of 3.6&#956;g /100g (94.00 &#177; 28.50mmol/l) (P &#x003C; 0.05), followed by Primulot-N (102 &#177; 28.50 mmol/l). Investigations also revealed that the drugs decreased plasma potassium levels. Microgynon had the highest decrease of 88.88% for the highest dose of 3.60&#956;g/100g body wt, while the lowest decrease of 22.22% was observed for the lowest dose of 0.36&#956;g/100g).The sodium element plays an important role in salt and water balance in the body. The metabolism of sodium and potassium is closely linked with the maintenance of fluid balance and with the regulation of acid-base status, Elevated levels are related to acidosis as well as too much water crossing the cell membrane. The potassium element is found primarily inside the cells of the body. The random use of the drugs in our society today especially as most women abuse these drugs demands for more biochemical research to elucidate the effects of these drugs not only on the hormones but also on other biochemical parameters like the body electrolytes. This result indicates that laboratory tests are needed for women before using these drugs.

Keywords

Microgynon, Primulot-n, Plasma Sodium and Potassium

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N. F. Okoye ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ¹, D. C. Belonwu ¹, N. C. Nwachoko ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. P.M.B 5323, Port Harcourt, NG

Abstract

Oral contraceptives namely Microgynon a combined pill (0.15mg levonorgestrel and 0.03mg ethinylestradiol) and Primolut -N a mini pill (5mg norethisterone) were analysed for their in-vivo effects on albino rat plasma and erythrocyte aspartate amino transferase (AST). The in-vivo effects of the oral contraceptives on albino rat plasma and erythrocyte AST showed that the drugs inhibited the activity of the enzymes in a concentration dependent manner. The effect of the drugs on the enzymes were also time dependent with the highest inhibition obtained at 24 hours duration while the least inhibition occurred at 2 hours duration Microgynon showed the highest inhibition (7.00 &#177; 0.00 vs. control 31.00 &#177; 0.00 U/L) (P &#x003C; 0.05) followed by Primolut (16.00 &#177; 0.00 vs. control 27.00 &#177; 4.00 U/L). The erythrocyte AST activity was also inhibited. The highest inhibition values obtained were Microgynon (36.00 &#177; 0.00 U/L) then Primolut (41.00 &#177; 0.00 U/L). The least inhibition values obtained were Microgynon and Primolut (67.00 &#177; 0.00). The in-vivo effects of the oral contraceptives on rat plasma and erythrocyte ALT showed that the drugs activated the activity of the enzymes in a concentration dependent manner. The effect of the drugs on the enzymes were also time dependent with the highest activation obtained at 24 hours duration while the least activation occurred at 2 hours duration. Primolut showed the highest activation (18.00 &#177; 0.00 U/L). The erythrocyte enzymes showed higher activity than the plasma enzymes. Microgynon showed the highest activity (50.00 &#177; 2.00 U/L). This result indicates that liver function tests are needed for women before using these drugs.

Keywords

Microgynon, Primolut –N

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