E3 Journal of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research

E3 Journal of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 3 (7) pp. 123-128, September 2012; © E3 Journals; ISSN 2141-7474

Roles of Glyphaea brevis (Spreng) extract in cadmium induced hepatocellular damage and oxidative stress in rabbit

Abstract

This study investigated the roles of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Glyphaea brevis (Spreng) in cadmium induced hepatocellular damage and oxidative stress in rabbit. Sixteen (16) rabbits weighing between 2.0 and 2.2 kg were divided into four groups of four animals and treated orally as follows: Group I; 2 ml of normal saline per day and Group II; cadmium chloride (1.25 mg/kg body weight per day). Animals in group III and IV were pretreated with ethanolic extract of Glyphaea brevis (300 mg/kg body weight per day) and Vitamin E (300mg/kg body weight per day) respectively. One hour later cadmium chloride solution (1.25mg/kg body weight per day) was administered to animals in group III and IV. The animals were treated for 10 days and sacrificed on day 11. Hepatic marker enzymes; (Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Gamma Glutammyl Transferase (GGT)) activities were determined in the plasma and liver homogenates. Plasma albumin, total protein, uric acid and bilirubin concentrations were also estimated according to standard procedures. The results revealed that the activities of all hepatic marker enzymes in the plasma were elevated in cadmium only treated group when compared with control, positive control (Vitamin E+ cadmium group) and extract treated group (Glyphaea brevis + Cadmium). It also caused statistically significant (P<0.05) decrease in plasma albumin, protein and uric acid concentrations. Also, there was significant (P<0.05) increase in bilirubin concentration in cadmium only treated group compared with other experimental groups. Administration of ethanolic extract of Glyphaea brevis one hour prior to cadmium exposure reduced the toxic effects of cadmium on the liver of rabbits. Based on the results of this study, the roles of Glyphaea brevis extract may include protection of the liver and as antioxidant against cadmium-mediated oxidative stress.

Keywords: Glyphaea brevis, Cadmium, Rabbit, Oxidative stress, Hepatotoxicity