liver

The present work carried out in the laboratory of Biomembranes and Cell Signaling of the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin aims to conduct a toxicological study on the ethyl extract of the leaves of Annona muricata, with a view to verifying the toxic effects in general, and in particular on the functioning of the kidneys and the liver in the wistar rat. In the present study, the extraction yield of this plant by ethanol was 9.6 ± 1.89. Then, on the one hand, the acute and subacute toxicities were induced in the rats of the experiment by gavage to our extracts at an interval of 48 hours for 10 days. These rats were distributed in 05 batches. Each batch receiving or not receiving a different dose of the Annona muricata extract. On the other hand, the toxic activity on the liver and kidneys was evaluated by daily gavage of 14 rats of 3 rats each using the Annona muricata ethyl extract at different doses (0.50 100 and 200 mg / kg).  Measurement of biochemical parameters (Urea, Creatinine, ASAT, and ALAT), weight-loss records, carried out during the first experiment showed that there was no significant increase urea, creatinine, and a significant decrease in ALT levels. On the other hand, a significant increase was observed in the ASAT. Following the death of the rat of lot 5 receiving 5000mg / kg, the LD50 was determined (LD 50 = 3750 mg / kg). This LD50 indicates that Annona muricata extract is weakly toxic. Sub-chronic administration of the extract confirmed that ASAT was progressively increasing in rats. The decrease in body mass was a good indicator of toxicity. In the second experiment, the measurement of biochemical parameters (Urea, Creatinine, Uric Acid, ASAT, ALAT) revealed an increase in the concentration of urea and creatinine and decreased concentration of uric acid at doses of extracts greater than or equal to 100 mg / kg PC. These results may suggest renal damage that has not been confirmed by the histological study of the organs taken (Liver and kidneys) from experimental rats. However, this study showed an early onset of hepatic involvement at the dose of 100mg / kg, which increased at a dose of 200mg / kg.

The most important problem that humanity is facing in this century is environmental pollution. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are abundant pollutants and many of them are carcinogenic. The most important PAH is Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] which is formed by the incomplete combustion of organic substances, cigarette smoke, charcoal and grilling of food. Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P]  has been shown to cause mutagenic, carcinogenic and cytotoxic effects in various species and tissues. The present study was aimed to divulge the cytotoxic effect of B(a)P induced oxidative damage in liver of male Swiss albino mice. Animals were divided into 3 groups of which Group I served as control and were given corn oil, Group II animals were administered with B(a)P (100 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in corn oil orally thrice a week for three successive weeks for an induction period of 6 weeks, Group III animals were  administered with B(a)P (100 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in corn oil orally thrice a week for three successive weeks for an induction period of  12 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, the extracted liver tissue was investigated biochemically for cytotoxic markers, oxidative stress markers, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes .The evaluation of these enzymes and their activities reflect the severity of damage caused to the membrane or to the organ itself.  The data suggests that the difference in morphology and cellular changes in liver on exposure to B(a)P is time dependent. Key words: PAH, B(a)P, toxicity, swiss albino mice,  liver, oxidative stress