Effect of Co-administration of Vitamin A and Artesunate in Malaria-Infected Albino Mice

Abstract

Malaria is a potentially fatal illness that results from infection by parasitic protozoa, which spread to humans via the bites of mosquitoes that have already been infected with the parasite. This research examines the impact of the simultaneous administration of Vitamin A and Artesunate on Plasmodium berghei-infected albino mice. A cohort of sixteen (16) albino mice, with a mean weight of 28g and indeterminate gender, were subjected to P. berghei inoculation. The mice were separated into four groups, each consisting of four animals. Artesunate was administered to Group A, distilled water was administered to Group B, Group C received antioxidant treatment in the form of vitamin A, and Group D was subjected to a combination treatment of Artesunate and Vitamin A. The study monitored the parasitemia level, hematocrit (PVC), percentage mortality rate, and change in body weight following the administration of various treatments, including an antimalarial drug (Artesunate), distilled water, Vitamin A, and a combination therapy of both Artesunate and Vitamin A. The co-administration of vitamin A and Artesunate may decrease the effectiveness of Artesunate in treating malaria infection. The research illustrates the intricate relationship between Artesunate and antioxidant (vitamin A) in mice infected with malaria. The efficacy of Artesunate in clearing the parasite was demonstrated by the reduction of Parasitaemia levels from +2(++) on the 5th day to +3 (+++) on the 7th day, followed by a decrease to +2(++) on the 9th day, and ultimately to +1(+) Parasitaemia on the 10th day. The co-administration of Vitamin A and Artesunate resulted in a reduction of the latter's efficacy in treating malaria, particularly in cases where the parasitemia level was at +3(+++) on the 5th, seventh, and 11th days and +2(++) on the ninth day. This procedure suggests that Vitamin A acted as an antagonist to the antimalarial effects of Artesunate.
 Furthermore, the mortality rate was 50%, and the PCV was reduced compared to Group A. Artesunate, a pro-oxidant that generates free oxygen radicals that act against the parasite. However, the presence of antioxidants like Vitamin A potentially counteracted the effects of pro-oxidants, indicating some form of pharmacological antagonism. The research findings indicate that the co-administration of vitamin A and Artesunate may reduce therapeutic effectiveness. Clinical interventions are recommended to be implemented to regulate the simultaneous administration of Artesunate and Vitamin A, as this may impact the therapeutic objective of malaria treatment.