ABSTRACT
The effects of trona (Kaun), a food additive, on the redox status of the liver and kidney of male Wistar rats were investigated. A total of 60 male rats (145 ± 2.52 g) were grouped into four: A, B, C and D, where group A (the control) received 1 mL of distilled water orally while those in groups B, C and D (test groups) received orally, same volume of trona preparation corresponding to 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 28 days. Administration of trona significantly reduced (p < 0.05) alkaline phosphatase activity in the liver and kidney with corresponding increases in the serum enzyme. Acid phosphatase activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the liver and kidney with no significant change (p > 0.05) in the activity of the serum enzyme. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and the levels of reduced glutathione, vitamins C and E in the liver and kidney of the animals decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In contrast, malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxide of trona-treated animals increased significantly (p < 0.05) in liver and kidney. Overall, data from this study revealed that trona exhibited its toxic effect by suppressing or depleting the antioxidant systems and increasing the risk of attack by oxidants generated either from its metabolites or from other in vivo means on the rat cellular system.
