Effect of Oral Administration of Ibuprofen on Prothrombin Time, Activated Partial Thromboplastin and Platelet Count in Wistar Albino Rats

Aim:Ibuprofen is analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drug, which is widely used as a cheap over-the counter drug(OTC); however, this drug accompanies anti coagulation/anti platelets effects which sometimes might illicit adverse effects. In this study, we investigated effect of ibuprofen on prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and platelet count using wistar albino rats.Methods:A total of 21 rats grouped into 3(control, acute and chronic exposure groups, with all consisting of 7rats each) was used. The acute and chronic exposure group were given 0.7mg of ibuprofen orally for 1 and 21 days, respectively. Blood sample was collected via cardiac puncture thenanalyzed.Results:PT was significantly higher in both group 2 and 3 (acute and chronic exposure, respectively)than that of the control. Acute exposure group showed the highest PT rise.A PTT was not significantly different between group 2 and 3 versus the control group. Platelet count was significantly lower in both group 2 and 3than that in the control group (p<0.05). Group 3 (chronic exposure) showed the lowest platelet count.Conclusion:Oral administration of ibuprofen affected coagulation parameters and a longer exposure reduce platelets count. A strictly prescription for this drug may be needed to prevent its indiscriminate use

Effect of Oral Administration of Diclofenac Sodium on Coagulation Factors and Some Hematological Parameters in Wister Rats

Diclofenac sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug often obtainable as a prescription drug or over the counter. It is very effective in the control of inflammation and pain due to arthritis or pains arising following many disease conditions becauseof its antipyretic, anti inflammatory and analgesic potentials. Despite the beneficial effects of diclofenac sodium, it has been implicated in some adverse effects. In this study, we examined the effect of acute and chronic administration of diclofenac sodium on some hematological (PCV, WBC differentials) and coagulation (prothrombin time, activated partial prothrombin time and platelets count) parameters of albino Wister rats using the standard methods. Twenty four Albino Wister rats were divided intothree groups of 8 rats and grouped as control, acute study and chronic study. The rats were administered 0.2 mg of diclofenac sodium for 24 hours for acute and 3 weeks for chronic studies respectively. The rats were sacrificed and blood collected for analysis of PCV, WBC differentials, prothrombin time, activated partial prothrombin time and platelets count using the standard methods. Results show that acute administration of diclofenac sodium at 0.2 mg has no effect on hematological and coagulation parameters, but chronic administration could instigate significant reduction in PCV, platelets count, neutrophils and monocytes (p<0.001), whilethere is a significant increase in PT, INR, lymphocytes (p<0.001). Considering these alterations, it is advisable that this drug should be made a strictly prescription drug in order to prevent indiscriminate use of this medication and to prevent attendant anemia and coagulopathy that may follow chronic use.

Effect of Combination Therapy of Garcinia kola Seed and Vitamin E in Acetaminophen Induced Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Albino Rats

Acetaminophen, used for antipyretic and analgesic purposes has been known to exhibit toxic effects on the organs because of its ability to generate free radicals, causing varieties of diseases. This study investigated the impact of the combined formed ofGarcinia kolaseed and Vitamin E pretreatment exposure on hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by acetaminophen in Albino Rats. Five groups of animals were used for this study. Group 1 as the control received distilled water orally only, group 2 astoxicity control intoxicated with 800mg acetaminophen intraperitoneally. The other three groups were pretreated with various doses of either Garcinia kolaseed extract or vitamin E or a combined form respectively by oral gavagemethod for 7 days before induction with acetaminophen intraperitoneally on the 8thday and sacrificed under chloroform anaethesia. Acetaminophen induction significantly rise (p<0.05) the hepatic enzyme levels (ALT, AST, and ALP) and a marked reduction of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPX) in group 2 animals when compared with the control. There was also a significant rise (p<0.05) in the MDA levels. Meanwhile the combined form of Garcinia kolaseed extract and Vitamin E pretreatment exposure on theorgans showed no synergetic ameliorative potentials as compared with the single pretreatment exposure with Garcinia kola and Vitamin E respectively. The morphology of the tissue cells pretreated with these combined formed exhibited features showing signs of cell damages and slow recovery from the toxicity. Therefore combining Garcinia kola andVitamin E may lost its ameliorative and protective effect as seen in this induced acetaminophen albino rats implying that Garcinia kolaseed and Vitamin E should notbe taken in a combined form.

Determination of Arsenic Content in Different Brands of Rice Sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Arsenic, a naturally occurring element seen in the environment and cycled by water has been seen to be a pollutant in soil, water and air. The inorganic form of arsenic is associated with major health problems and cancer mainly arising due to its anthropogenic activities. The content of arsenic was assayed in six rice brands sold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The rice samples were ground to powdered forms and subjected to acid digestion before analysis. The Agilent Micro Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (MP-AES) was used to analyze the digested samples. Results showed mean arsenic concentration in Vico Rice, the highest as 1.0073. This was followed by Local Rice 0.9420, Marori Benz 0.9140, Golden Stallion Rice 0.861 and the Cap Rice 0.8077 while the least mean concentration of arsenic was recorded in African Princess Rice 0.6417, all in mg/kg. The mean concentration was significantly different in the six brands of rice (P<0.05). The arsenic content in the different rice brand was within the tolerable concentration of 1.4 mg/kg as in cereals and vegetables. This concentration did not exceed the Maximum Permissible Limit of 1 mg/kg hence considered safe for consumption except Vico rice with a higher concentration above 1 mg/kg. This shows that rice brands sold in Port Harcourt pose no health risk for consumers with respect to arsenic content.