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Audu D, Patel VB, Idowu OA, Mshelbwala FM, Idowu AB. Baseline and recurrent exposure to the standard dose of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) induces oxidative stress and liver damage in mice (BALB/c). EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2023; 13:53. [DOI: 10.1186/s43066-023-00291-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In malaria-endemic countries, repeated intake of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) is rampant and driven by drug resistance, improper usage, and easy accessibility. Stress effects and potential liver toxicity due to the frequent therapeutic use of ACTs have not been extensively studied. Here, we investigated the effects of repeated treatment with standard doses of the commonly used ACTs artemether/lumefantrine (A/L) and artesunate-amodiaquine (A/A) on oxidative stress and liver function markers in male mice (BALB/c).
Methods
Forty Five mice were divided into three groups: control, A/L, and A/A. The drugs were administered three days in a row per week, and the regimen was repeated every two weeks for a total of six cycles. The levels of oxidative stress and liver function markers were measured in both plasma and liver tissue after initial (baseline) and repeated exposures for the second, third, and sixth cycles.
Results
Exposure to A/L or A/A caused a significant (p < 0.001) increase in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels after the first and repeated exposure periods. However, Hepatic MDA levels increased significantly (p < 0.01) only after the sixth exposure to A/A. Following either single or repeated exposure to A/L or A/A, plasma and liver glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities, plasma aspartate and alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase activity, and bilirubin levels increased, whereas total plasma protein levels decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Varying degrees of hepatocyte degeneration and blood vessel congestion were observed in liver tissues after a single or repeated treatment period.
Conclusion
Irrespective of single or repeated exposure to therapeutic doses of A/L or A/A, plasma oxidative stress and liver damage were observed. However, long-term repeated A/A exposure can led to hepatic stress. Compensatory processes involving GPx and CAT activities may help reduce the observed stress.
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Owumi SE, Umez AO, Arunsi U, Irozuru CE. Dietary aflatoxin B1 and antimalarial-a lumefantrine/artesunate-therapy perturbs male rat reproductive function via pro-inflammatory and oxidative mechanisms. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12172. [PMID: 37500724 PMCID: PMC10374580 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39455-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the impact of Coartem™ (COA) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on rats' hypothalamus, epididymis, and testis. Male rats were randomly grouped (n = 5 rats) and treated: control group (corn oil), AFB1 (70 µg/kg), COA (5 mg/kg), COA + AFB1 (5 + 0.035 mg/kg) and COA + AFB1 (5 + 0.07 mg/kg) for 28 days. Blood samples were collected for serum prolactin, testosterone, follicle-stimulating and luteinising hormones (FSH and LH) assay upon sacrifice. The semen, hypothalamus, epididymis, and testes were harvested for morphological, biochemical, and histopathology determination of oxidative, inflammation stress, genomic integrity, and pathological alterations. Exposure to the COA and AFB1 caused the cauda epididymal spermatozoa to display low motility, viability, and volume, with increased abnormalities. Hormonal disruption ensued in animals exposed to COA and AFB1 alone or together, exemplified by increased prolactin, and decreased testosterone, FSH and LH levels. Treatment-related reduction in biomarkers of testicular metabolism-acid and alkaline phosphatases, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase-were observed. Also, COA and AFB1 treatment caused reductions in antioxidant (Glutathione and total thiols) levels and antioxidant enzyme (Catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase) activities in the examined organs. At the same time, treatment-related increases in DNA damage (p53), oxidative stress (xanthine oxidase, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and lipid peroxidation), inflammation (nitric oxide and tumour necrosis factor-alpha), and apoptosis (caspase-9, and -3) were observed. Chronic exposure to COA and AFB1 led to oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage in male rats' hypothalamic-reproductive axis, which might potentiate infertility if not contained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon E Owumi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200004, Nigeria.
- ChangeLab-changing Lives, Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Rm NB 302, Ibadan, 200005, Oyo State, Nigeria.
| | - Angel O Umez
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200004, Nigeria
| | - Uche Arunsi
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0400, USA
| | - Chioma E Irozuru
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
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Neurobehavioral and biochemical responses to artemisinin-based drug and aflatoxin B 1 co-exposure in rats. Mycotoxin Res 2023; 39:67-80. [PMID: 36701108 DOI: 10.1007/s12550-023-00474-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Populations in malaria endemic areas are frequently exposed to mycotoxin-contaminated diets. The possible toxicological outcome of co-exposure to dietary aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and artemisinin-based combination therapy warrants investigation to ascertain amplification or attenuation of cellular injury. Here, we investigated the neurobehavioral and biochemical responses associated with co-exposure to anti-malarial drug coartem, an artemether-lumefantrine combination (5 mg/kg body weight, twice a day and 3 days per week) and AFB1 (35 and 70 µg/kg body weight) in rats. Motor deficits, locomotor incompetence, and anxiogenic-like behavior induced by low AFB1 dose were significantly (p < 0.05) assuaged by coartem but failed to rescue these behavioral abnormalities in high AFB1-dosed group. Coartem administration did not alter exploratory deficits typified by reduced track plot densities and greater heat map intensity in high AFB1-dosed animals. Furthermore, the reduction in cerebral and cerebellar acetylcholinesterase activity, anti-oxidant enzyme activities, and glutathione and thiol levels were markedly assuaged by coartem administration in low AFB1 group but not in high AFB1-dosed animals. The significant attenuation of cerebral and cerebellar oxidative stress indices namely reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, xanthine oxidase activity, and lipid peroxidation by coartem administration was evident in low AFB1 group but not high AFB1 dose. Although coartem administration abated nitric oxide level, activities of myeloperoxidase, caspase-9, and caspase-3 in animals exposed to both doses of AFB1, these indices were significantly higher than the control. Coartem administration ameliorated histopathological and mophometrical changes due to low AFB1 exposure but not in high AFB1 exposure. In conclusion, contrary to AFB1 alone, behavioral and biochemical responses were not altered in animals singly exposed to coartem. Co-exposure to coartem and AFB1 elicited no additional risk but partially lessened neurotoxicity associated with AFB1 exposure.
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Owumi SE, Otunla MT, Elerewe OO, Arunsi UO. Co-exposure to aflatoxin B1 and therapeutic coartem worsens hepatic and renal function through enhanced oxido-inflammatory responses and apoptosis in rats. Toxicon 2023; 222:106988. [PMID: 36473514 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.106988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin synthesised as a secondary metabolite by members of the Aspergillus species contaminating agricultural produce. Aspergillus species thrive in tropical climes, endemic to malaria. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) effectively treat and prevent malaria recrudescence; Coartem (COA) is an ACT whose toxicity is evident. Although there are scanty studies on COA toxicity, the scientific literature is replete on AFB1 toxic effects -including carcinogenicity. The current research investigates AFB1 and COA toxicity in experimental Wistar rats' hepatorenal systems. Thirty albino rats were randomly grouped into five cohorts (n = 6) and treated as follows: Group I: Untreated control (2 mL/kg of corn oil); group II: AFB1 alone (70 μg/kg); group III: COA alone (5 mg/kg); group IV: COA and a low dose of AFB11 (5 mg/kg & 35 μg/kg); while Group V: COA and a high dose AFB12 (5 mg/kg & 70 μg/kg) by gavage. Our results show that exposure to AFB1 and COA significantly (p < 0.05) reduced superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase activities, besides reduced glutathione and total sulfhydryl groups level. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, lipid peroxidation, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, nitric oxide, xanthine oxidase, and myeloperoxidase levels were increased (p < 0.05) in rats co-treated with COA and AFB1. Cell death was aggravated in COA and AFB1 groups, exemplified by increased Caspase-3 and 9 activities and alterations in the typical histological features of experimental rats' livers and kidneys. Finally, rats co-treated with AFB1 and COA experienced increased hepatorenal dysregulation, oxidative and inflammatory tissue damage, and apoptotic cell death. All the observed systemic perturbations occurred dose-dependently. It is crucial, therefore, to prevent AFB1 dietary contaminations during COA therapeutic regimen due to increased pathophysiological damage exerted on experimental rat liver and kidneys, as evidenced in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon E Owumi
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, 200004, Nigeria.
| | - Moses T Otunla
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, 200004, Nigeria
| | - Oyindamola O Elerewe
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, 200004, Nigeria
| | - Uche O Arunsi
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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Oliveira CAP, Rocha GS, Fernandes-Santos C, Sampaio FJB, Gregorio BM. Prostatic alterations associated to early weaning and its relation with cocoa powder supplementation. Experimental study in adult wistar rats. Int Braz J Urol 2021; 47:1020-1029. [PMID: 34115453 PMCID: PMC8321461 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2020.1114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Early weaning can predispose the offspring to greater risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood. It is believed that the consumption of functional foods is able to prevent these effects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of maternal and postnatal cocoa powder supplementation on body mass, metabolism, and morphology of the prostate of early weaned Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four experimental groups according to lactation time (21 or 18 days, n=6, each) as follows: control group (C), cocoa control group (CCa), early weaning group (EW), and cocoa early weaning group (EWCa). The animals were euthanized at 90 days of age. Serum biochemical analysis and prostate histomorphometric evaluation were performed. The animals supplemented with cocoa powder were heavier than their respective controls (p <0.05), although with no difference in food intake among the groups. Likewise, these same groups showed a reduction in the serum glucose in relation to C and EW groups (p <0.0001). With respect to the prostate, there was no difference in smooth muscle and lumen area densities, while the EW group had a lower epithelial height and a higher percentage of mast cells than the C group (p <0.05). On the other hand, the EWCa group managed to reverse these parameters, leveling with the controls. Early weaning resulted in hyperglycemia and important morphological changes in the prostate. In contrast, dietary supplementation with cocoa powder attenuated these effects on the metabolism and prostatic histoarchitecture, proving to be a good nutritional treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Alves Procópio Oliveira
- Departamento de Anatomia, Unidade de Pesquisa Urogenital, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Gabrielle Souza Rocha
- Departamento de Nutrição e Dietética, Faculdade de Nutrição Emília de Jesus Ferreiro, Universidade Federal Fluminense, UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Caroline Fernandes-Santos
- Departamento de Ciências Básicas, Laboratório Multiusuário de Pesquisa Biomédica, Universidade Federal Fluminense, UFF, Nova Friburgo, RJ, Brasil
| | - Francisco José Barcellos Sampaio
- Departamento de Anatomia, Unidade de Pesquisa Urogenital, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Bianca Martins Gregorio
- Departamento de Anatomia, Unidade de Pesquisa Urogenital, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Bolaji OO, Adehin A, Adeagbo BA. Pharmacogenomics in the Nigerian population: the past, the present and the future. Pharmacogenomics 2019; 20:915-926. [DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2019-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Nigerian population exhibits huge ethnic and genetic diversity, typical of African populations, which can be harnessed for improved drug-response and disease management. Existing data on genes relevant to drug response, so far generated for the population, indeed confirm the prevalence of some clinically significant pharmacogenes. These reports detail prevailing genetic alleles and metabolic phenotypes of vital drug metabolizing monooxygenases, transferases and drug transporters. While the utilization of existing pharmacogenomic data for healthcare delivery remains unpopular, several past and on-going studies suggest that a future shift toward genotype-stratified dosing of drugs and disease management in the population is imminent. This review discusses the present state of pharmacogenomics in Nigeria and the potential benefits of sustained research in this field for the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluseye O Bolaji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Ayorinde Adehin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Institute of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Babatunde A Adeagbo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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Silva-Pinto A, Ruas R, Almeida F, Duro R, Silva A, Abreu C, Sarmento A. Artemether-lumefantrine and liver enzyme abnormalities in non-severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria in returned travellers: a retrospective comparative study with quinine-doxycycline in a Portuguese centre. Malar J 2017; 16:43. [PMID: 28122572 PMCID: PMC5264472 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1698-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Artemisinin-based therapy is the current standard treatment for non-severe malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum. The potential for asymptomatic liver toxicity of this therapy and its implication in clinical practice is currently unknown. The aim of this study is to assess the hepatic function in patients treated with a standard three-day artemisinin-based regimen and to compare it with the quinine-doxycycline regimen. Methods Retrospective and comparative study of returned adult travellers admitted with non-severe P. falciparum malaria. Fifty-seven patients were included: 19 treated with artemisinin-based therapy and 38 with quinine-doxycycline therapy. Results During treatment, when compared with quinine-doxycycline group, the artemisinin-lumefantrine group presented a higher proportion of significant liver enzyme abnormalities (42 vs. 5%, p < 0.01) and a higher peak value of aspartate aminotransferase (131 vs. 64 U/L, p < 0.01) and alanine aminotransferase (99 vs. 75 U/L, p = 0.05). None of the patients was symptomatic, there were no treatment interruptions and all patients achieved clinical cure. Conclusions Treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria with artemisinin-based therapy might cause asymptomatic liver enzyme abnormalities in the first days of treatment. Nevertheless, these liver enzyme abnormalities seem to be harmless, asymptomatic and self-limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Silva-Pinto
- Infectious Diseases Department, Centro Hospitalar São João, Alameda Professor Hernani Monteiro, 4200, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rogério Ruas
- Infectious Diseases Department, Centro Hospitalar São João, Alameda Professor Hernani Monteiro, 4200, Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Almeida
- Infectious Diseases Department, Centro Hospitalar São João, Alameda Professor Hernani Monteiro, 4200, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Duro
- Infectious Diseases Department, Centro Hospitalar São João, Alameda Professor Hernani Monteiro, 4200, Porto, Portugal
| | - André Silva
- Infectious Diseases Department, Centro Hospitalar São João, Alameda Professor Hernani Monteiro, 4200, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cândida Abreu
- Infectious Diseases Department, Centro Hospitalar São João, Alameda Professor Hernani Monteiro, 4200, Porto, Portugal
| | - António Sarmento
- Infectious Diseases Department, Centro Hospitalar São João, Alameda Professor Hernani Monteiro, 4200, Porto, Portugal
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McCarthy JS, Rückle T, Djeriou E, Cantalloube C, Ter-Minassian D, Baker M, O'Rourke P, Griffin P, Marquart L, Hooft van Huijsduijnen R, Möhrle JJ. A Phase II pilot trial to evaluate safety and efficacy of ferroquine against early Plasmodium falciparum in an induced blood-stage malaria infection study. Malar J 2016; 15:469. [PMID: 27624471 PMCID: PMC5022189 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1511-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ferroquine (SSR97193) is a candidate anti-malarial currently undergoing clinical trials for malaria. To better understand its pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters the compound was tested in the experimentally induced blood stage malaria infection model in volunteers. Methods Male and non-pregnant female aged 18–50 years were screened for this phase II, controlled, single-centre clinical trial. Subjects were inoculated with ~1800 viable Plasmodium falciparum 3D7A-infected human erythrocytes, and treated with a single-dose of 800 mg ferroquine. Blood samples were taken at defined time-points to measure PK and PD parameters. The blood concentration of ferroquine and its active metabolite, SSR97213, were measured on dry blood spot samples by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Parasitaemia and emergence of gametocytes were monitored by quantitative PCR. Safety was determined by recording adverse events and monitoring clinical laboratory assessments during the course of the study. Results Eight subjects were enrolled into the study, inoculated with infected erythrocytes and treated with 800 mg ferroquine. Ferroquine was rapidly absorbed with maximal exposure after 4–8 and 4–12 h exposure for SSR97213. Non-compartmental PK analysis resulted in estimates for half-lives of 10.9 and 23.8 days for ferroquine and SSR97213, respectively. Parasite clearance as reported by parasite reduction ratio was 162.9 (95 % CI 141–188) corresponding to a parasite clearance half-life of 6.5 h (95 % CI: 6.4–6.7 h). PK/PD modelling resulted in a predicted minimal parasiticidal concentration of 20 ng/mL, and the single dosing tested in this study was predicted to maintain an exposure above this threshold for 454 h (37.8 days). Although ferroquine was overall well tolerated, transient elevated transaminase levels were observed in three subjects. Paracetamol was the only concomitant treatment among the two out of these three subjects that may have played a role in the elevated transaminases levels. No clinically significant ECG abnormalities were observed. Conclusions The parameters and PK/PD model derived from this study pave the way to the further rational development of ferroquine as an anti-malarial partner drug. The safety of ferroquine has to be further explored in controlled human trials. Trial registration anzctr.org.au (registration number: ACTRN12613001040752), registered 18/09/2013 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-016-1511-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S McCarthy
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Thomas Rückle
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Route de Pré-Bois 20, 1215, Meyrin, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elhadj Djeriou
- Sanofi Aventis Recherche Développement, Chilly-Mazarin, France
| | | | | | - Mark Baker
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Route de Pré-Bois 20, 1215, Meyrin, Geneva, Switzerland.,Novartis Consumer Health SA, 2 route de l'Etraz, Case Postale 1279, 1260, Nyon, Switzerland
| | - Peter O'Rourke
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul Griffin
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Mater Health Services, Brisbane, Australia.,Q-Pharm Pty Ltd, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Louise Marquart
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Jörg J Möhrle
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Route de Pré-Bois 20, 1215, Meyrin, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Asiedu-Gyekye IJ, Antwi-Boasiako C, Oppong S, Arthur S, Sarkodie JE. Hematological changes and nitric oxide levels accompanying high-dose artemether-lumefantrine administration in male guinea pigs: Effect of unsweetened natural cocoa powder. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE RESEARCH 2016; 5:350-357. [PMID: 27757264 PMCID: PMC5061477 DOI: 10.5455/jice.20160721104042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unsweetened natural cocoa powder (UNCP), prepared after removal of the cocoa butter, is a common beverage in Ghana. It possesses antimalarial prophylactic property and has a beneficial effect on blood components. AIM The aim of this study was to determine whether regular dietary supplement of UNCP mitigates high-dose (HD) artemether-lumefantrine (A-L)-induced hematological disorders and to determine the effect on nitric oxide (NO) levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult male guinea pigs (300 g - 350 g) were randomly divided into 5 groups of 6 guinea pigs each. Among the 5 groups, 3 groups were treated with UNCP (300, 900, and 1500 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days. A-L (75 mg/kg) was administered from the 12th to 14th day. One of the remaining 2 groups received distilled water only, i.e., vehicle control group (VCG) while the other received 75 mg/kg A-L only, i.e., negative control group (NCG). Blood samples from all groups were obtained by cardiac puncture (day 15) followed by hematological and NO analysis. RESULTS A-L reduced white blood cells (WBC) by 31.87%, lymphocyte count by 45.99%, hemoglobin by 11.72%, hematocrit by 18.56%, and platelet count by 33.08% in the NCG. Administration of various doses of UNCP increased WBC and lymphocyte count (P > 0.05) compared to the NCG. UNCP and A-L combination caused an increase in NO levels when compared to the VCG. CONCLUSION Regular consumption of UNCP by guinea pigs increases plasma NO and restores some hematological disorders induced by a 3-day HD A-L administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Julius Asiedu-Gyekye
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Address for Correspondence: Isaac Julius Asiedu-Gyekye, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana. E-mail:
| | - Charles Antwi-Boasiako
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana
| | - Seth Oppong
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Stella Arthur
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph Edusei Sarkodie
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Asiedu-Gyekye IJ, Edem Kukuia KK, Seidu AM, Antwi-Boasiako C, N'guessan BB, Frimpong-Manso S, Adjei S, Zobi J, Tettey AT, Nyarko AK. Unsweetened Natural Cocoa Powder Has the Potential to Attenuate High Dose Artemether-Lumefantrine-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Non-Malarious Guinea Pigs. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2016; 2016:7387286. [PMID: 27493672 PMCID: PMC4963575 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7387286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective. This study investigated the elemental composition of unsweetened natural cocoa powder (UNCP), its effect on nitric oxide, and its hepatoprotective potential during simultaneous administration with high-dose artemether/lumefantrine (A/L). Method. Macro- and microelements in UNCP were analyzed with EDXRF spectroscopy. Thirty (30) male guinea-pigs were then divided into five groups. For groups 3 (low-dose), 4 (medium-dose), and 5 (high-dose), the animals received oral UNCP prophylactically for 14 days. Group 1 received distilled water (14 days) and group 2 A/L for the last 3 days (days 12 to 14). After euthanisation, biochemical and histopathological examinations were carried out in all groups. Results. Phytochemical analysis of UNCP showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and cardiac glycosides. Thirty-eight (38) macro- and microelements were found. UNCP produced significant decreases in ALT, ALP, GGT, and AST levels. A significant increase in total protein levels was observed during A/L+UNCP administration in comparison to 75 mg/kg A/L group. Histopathological examinations buttressed the protective effects of cocoa administration. UNCP administration increased nitric oxide levels 149.71% (P < 0.05) compared to controls. Conclusion. UNCP increases nitric oxide levels and has hepatoprotective potential during A/L administration. A high level of copper was observed which may be detrimental during high daily consumptions of UNCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Julius Asiedu-Gyekye
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana
| | - Kennedy Kwami Edem Kukuia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana
| | - Abdulai Mahmood Seidu
- Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korle-Bu, Ghana
| | - Charles Antwi-Boasiako
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korle-Bu, Ghana
| | - Benoit Banga N'guessan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana
| | - Samuel Frimpong-Manso
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana
| | - Samuel Adjei
- Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jonathan Zobi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana
| | - Abraham Terkpertey Tettey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana
| | - Alexander Kwadwo Nyarko
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana
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