title: Histological and biochemical effects of arteether™ on the liver of Wistar rats.
abstract: Arteether™ is among the recent drugs that are used to combat chloroquine-resistant malarial parasites. This study examined the effects of arteether™ on enzyme biomarkers of the liver, serum protein concentrations, and liver morphology. Twenty (20) adult albino Wistar rats weighing 200 - 250 g were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of five animals each, and used in this study. Group A rats were given intramuscular (i. m.) arteether™ (3 mg/kg b. w.) daily for 3 days. Group B rats received i. m. arteether™ (6 mg/kg b. w.) daily for 3 days. Group C rats were given i. m. arteether™ (3 mg/kg b. w.) daily for 3 days. The same dose was repeated at two-weekly intervals for 4 further weeks, while group D rats which received normal saline (0.9 % w/ v, 3 ml/kg b.w.), served as controls. At the end of the experiment, the body weights of the animals were determined and recorded. Serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (ASP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP) and albumin were assayed, and histological studies were performed. Results obtained show no significant difference (P<0.05) in liver enzymes (ALT, ASP, ALP). TP and albumin were significantly reduced in group C rats. Histological studies revealed no cyto-architectural changes. It is concluded that at therapeutic doses, arteether™ is well tolerated in Wistar rats.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: A I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Okunlola
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Okunlola
authors.forename: C O
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Okani
authors.forename: O S
authors.initials: OS
authors.lastname: Adewole
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Ojo
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Abiodun
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Bejide
authors.forename: A O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Ojewole
mesh_terms: D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D019306:Artemisia / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry*; D037621:Artemisinins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology; D008297:Male; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
chemical_list: D037621:Artemisinins; D015415:Biomarkers; D001798:Blood Proteins; D010936:Plant Extracts; C031327:artemisinin; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase
keywords: Arteether™; Liver enzymes; Malaria; Morphology; Serum protein concentrations; Wistar rats