Effects of Artemether-Lumefantrine and Naproxen Combination on Liver and Kidney of Rats

Abstract

The effect of therapeutic doses of Artemether-Lumefantrine and Naproxen combination on kidney and liver was investigated. Twelve albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups (Control, Art-Lum, Nap and Art-Lum+Nap) of three animals each. DMSO (5%), Artemether-lumefantrine (2.29mg/13.71mg/kg body weight), Naproxen (12.50mg/kg body weight) and combination of Artemether-Lumefantrine and Naproxen (2.29mg/13.71mg/kg body weight and 12.50mg/kg body weight) were administered orally, twice daily for three days, to animals in Control, Art-Lum group, Nap group and Art-Lum+Nap groups. Enzyme activities (alanine aminotransferase {ALT}, aspartate aminotransferase {AST} and alkaline phosphatase {ALP}) and serum macromolecules levels (Urea, Creatinine, Total protein, Albumin and Globulin) were assayed for. Results indicated that the combination of the drugs brought about increase in creatinine level, activities of ALT, ASP and ALP in serum compared to the control. A significant decrease (p 0.05) in the urea level, globulin level, albumin level, ALT activity in liver, AST activity in liver and kidney and ALP activity in liver relative to the control. The combination of the drugs may lead to renal constriction and malfunction. Also hepatic function distortion may arise. The adverse effect of the drugs appeared more pronounced in the kidney than the liver. The drugs, therefore, should be used with caution especially by patients with compromised renal functions.