DOI:
VOLUME-5, ISSUE-8
*Takon1, I. A., Antai1 S. P., and Eyong2, E. U.
1. Department of Microbiology, University of Calabar, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The toxicological effects of contaminated gentamicin injections obtained from patent medicine stores on the liver enzymes of wistar rats after intramuscular administration have been investigated. Six(6) adult wistar rats weighing between 100g-250g were used. These animals were kept two(2) per cage/group(A, B, and C), where group A was fed with 0.1mL water for injection, and also served as control. Groups B and C were the experimental groups and administered 58mg of gentamicin injection intramuscularly per rat/day at 6hr divided doses twice daily for 5 days. The effects of contaminated gentamicin injection on levels of serum parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) enzymes were compared with control. The level of ALP was significantly high in the experimental groups(B and C) at P<0.05 than control(A). There was a significant difference at P<0.05 in the mean levels of ALP as compared with the control. Similarly, significant elevation in mean levels of ASP and AST enzymes were observed at P<0.05 after treatment with gentamicin injection as compared with control in groups B and C respectively. Estimation of protein plasma concentration revealed hepatocellular damage, followed by a drop in plasma albumin and a differential increase in the globulin fractions, especially in r-globulin as compared with control at P<0.05. Similarly, the total and direct bilirubin revealed a morderate deviation at P<0.05 from the control. Similarly, estimation of the toxic effects of gentamicin injection on rat tissues revealed significant alterations as compared to the control. Blood parameters such as erythrocytes, Platelets and MCHC were not adversely affected when compared with control at P<0.05. This study has revealed that contaminated gentamicin injection could adversely elevate liver enzyme levels and induced hepatocellular toxicity. These effects raise serious health concerns for patients considering its route of administration. Keywords: Gentamicin injection, Liver enzymes, wistar rats, contamination. Statement of originality of work The manuscript has been read and approved by all the authors, the requirements for authorship have been met, and that each author believe that the manuscript represents honest and original work.
Keywords: Gentamicin injection, Liver enzymes, wistar rats, contamination.