COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT TWO ANTI-MALARIA DRUGS (CHLOROQUINE AND ARTEQUIN) ON SOME SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN RATS
1Ugwu P. I, 1Obiechina M. C, 1Anyaehie U.S. B, 2Ofem O. E&3Elendu, U. M
1Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
2Department of Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar,
3Department of Physiology, Imo State University, Owerri
Correspondence: Email: princewill.ugwu@unn.edu.ng
ABSTRACT
Artemisinin combination therapies (ACT) have replaced the old drugs (like chloroquine) used as first line treatment for malaria. This current study aimed to investigate the comparative effects of chloroquine (an old drug) and artequin (an ACT drug) on serum biochemical indices in rats. Thirty-six (36) Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 2 batches. Each batch had 3 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 was control, groups 2 and 3 respectively received artequin (1.6mg/100g bwt) and chloroquine (0.875mg/100g bwt) orally and once daily. Administration lasted for 3 and 7 days for batches 1 and 2 respectively. The biochemical analysis of the serum was carried out using standard methods.Results obtained on both days 3and 7 showed that serum total protein and globulin concentrations in the artequin group was significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to control. The alkaline phosphatase concentration in the artequin group on day 7 was significantly (p>0.05) higher compared to control. In conclusion, administration of artequin and chloroquine at their recommended doses and duration is relatively safe. Prolonged administration of artequin could predispose to low serum proteins and globulin with accompanied elevations in ALP levels while chloroquine could increase AST level signifying hepatocellular damage.
Key Words:Anti-malaria drug, chloroquine, artequin, liver enzymes, proteins
