ABSTRACT
Cadmium, a highly toxic heavy metal, is distributed widely in the entire environment especially in heavy industrial areas. The behavioral and physiological manifestations of cadmium intoxication causes several other organ dysfunctions such as in the liver, lung, testis and hematopoietic system. The study investigated the effects of omega 3 and vitamin E on liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP concentrations) in cadmium exposed Wistar rats. Twenty (20) male albino rats aged 6-8 weeks and weighing between 100-260g were randomly allocated into 4 groups of 5 rats each. Rats in group A (control) were allowed free access to rat feed and waters for the 28 days of the experiment. Rats in group B were given cadmium at 5mg/kg body weight/day for a period of 3 days without any other treatment. Rats in group C were given cadmium at 5mg/kg body weight/day for a period of 3 days before the administration of Vitamin E at 200mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Rats in group D were orally administered with cadmium for 3 days before treated with omega 3 for 28 days. Liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP) concentrations were determined from each experimental group. Results indicated that cadmium administration increased AST, ALT and ALP levels in rats. Omega 3 administration significantly reduced AST and ALT levels in cadmium exposed rats. In the control group AST, ALT and ALP levels were 196.40 ± 4.9; 118.80 ± 5.50 and 224.20 ± 10.96 IU/L respectively. AST, ALT and ALP levels in cadmium + vitamin E group for group C were 236.40 ± 17.12, 184.40 ± 9.19 and 406.80 ± 24.86 IU/L respectively; showing significant (P<0.05) increase compared with other groups (A, B and D). In conclusion, omega 3 was more effective in ameliorating the adverse effect of cadmium.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE i
CERTIFICATION ii
DEDICATION iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS iv
ABSTRACT vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS vii
LIST TABLES x
LIST OF FIGURES xi
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study 1
1.2 Statement of problem 4
1.3 Aim of the Study 5
1.4 Objective of the study 5
1.5 Justification of the study 5
1.6 Scope of study 6
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Description of Oxidative Stress 7
2.2 Description of cadmium 10
2.2.1 Chemical Form and Properties of Cadmium 11
2.2.2 Exposure to Cadmium and Toxicity 12
2.2.3 Role of Oxidative Stress in Cadmium Toxicity 14
2.3 Antioxidant 16
2.4 History of Omega – 3 18
2.4.1 Dietary Sources of Omega-3 19
2.4.2 Dietary recommendations of Omega -3 21
2.4.3 Contamination of Omega – 3 22
2.4.4 Fish 22
2.4.5 Krill 23
2.4.6 Plant sources 24
2.4.7 Eggs 24
2.4.8 Meat 25
2.5 Vitamin E 26
2.5.1 Prevention of Oxidative Stress 27
2.5.2 Protection of the Cell Membranes 29
2.6 The Liver 30
CHAPTER THREE: MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 Materials, Chemicals and Reagents 35
3.2. Experimental Animals 35
3.3 Experimental Design 36
3.4 Method of blood collection 37
3.5 Statistical Analysis 42
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS
4.1 Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Concentration of
Different Experimental Groups 43
4.2 Alanine Aminotransferase (Alt) Concentration of the
Different Experimental Groups 44
4.3 Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Concentration of
the Different Experimental Group 47
4.4 AST to ALT Ratio of the Different Experimental Group 47
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
5.1 Discussion 50
5.2 Conclusion 55
REFERENCES 56
