Alterations in the biochemical indices in Wistar rats exposed to an overdose of codeine and dextromethorphan

Abstract

Objective This study investigates the impact of repeated oral exposure to two cough syrups containing codeine and dextromethorphan (DXM) on male Wistar rats. Methods We divided 35 rats into seven groups of five rats each. Group A was given 0.5 mL of distilled water, Groups B, C, and D were given 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mL/kg body weight ( b. w ) of cough syrup containing codeine (CSC), respectively, and Groups E, F, and G were administered 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mL/kg b. w of cough syrup containing DXM, respectively. The treatment was continued for 28 days. The rats were euthanised under mild diethyl ether anaesthesia. The kidney, liver, and blood of the rats were examined for further analyses. Results Significant ( p < 0.05) alterations were observed in the liver function tests: ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, and total bilirubin. All doses of CSC and DXM significantly increased the ALT levels ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, similar significant alterations were observed for the kidney function parameters such as creatinine, urea, and uric acid (p < 0.05). All doses of DXM caused significant elevations in the levels of urea ( p < 0.05). The histopathological evaluations also showed slight changes in the architecture of the liver, kidney, and brain tissues. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that overdose of these cough syrups may predispose the consumer to hepatic and renal injuries.

Haematopoietic Potential of Rice Husk Extract in Codeine Administered Male Wistar Rats

“…As per van Dixhoorn et al (2016), animals with low WBC are more susceptible to disease infection, whereas those with high WBC have more disease resistance. The decrease in WBC by codeine administered rats recorded in this study is in consonant with the report of Kayode et al (2021), that opium misuse supresses the immune system making the individuals more vulnerable to infective diseases. Another report by Owoade et al (2019), postulated that codeine administration significantly reduced WBC, RBC and platelet count; and increased mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) while other haematological parameters recorded no significant changes when compared with the control specimen.…”

Effect of Chronic Oral Exposure to Overdose of Cough Syrups on Rate of DNA Fragmentation in Liver and Brain of Wistar Rats

“…In a previous study by Kayode et al [23], elevated levels of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alanine transaminase (ALT) were observed in Wistar rats exposed to an overdose of cough syrups containing codeine and DXM when compared to the control group that received distilled water. An elevation in the levels of these enzymes could be an indicator of liver damage or disease [24], this is because the liver is a site of multiple oxidative reactions and formation of free radicals [23]. An elevation in ALT is a precise indicator of liver inflammation and AST also increases due to infiltration of the liver cells as a result of damage of the mitochondria [25].…”

“…From this data, any dosage above this quantity can be considered an abuse. A total of 45 wistar rats were randomly distributed into nine groups of 5 rats in each group and the dosages were according to a study by Kayode et al [23]. The administration of cough syrup lasted for 21 days.…”

Investigation of Potential Protective effects of Betanin on experimental Monosodium Glutamate–induced toxicity in Elderly rats

“…ELISA kits (Rel Assay Diagnostic-Turkey) were used for biochemical analyses [16]. The colorimetric method is based on the measurement of the UV absorption of the test material or the spectral determination of a colored compound in the visible field as a result of its reaction with a reagent.…”