Abstract
Despite the dangers associated with the increased use of codeine drugs, limited researches have addressed the specific effects of emzolyn codeine on the lung. The aim of this study was to assess the histological effects of emzolyn codeine cough syrup on the lung of Wistar rats and its oxidative stress. Twenty one (21) Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups labeled T1, T2 and T3. Group T1 served as control and was given distilled water and diet for 42 days, group T2 was treated with 0.1 mg/g bodyweight emzolyn codeine cough syrup for 21 days while group T3 was treated with 0.1 mg/g bodyweight emzolyn codeine cough syrup for 42 days. At the end of the duration, the wistar rats were sacrificed under anaesthesia and the lungs were collected after dissection and transferred into 10% buffered formalin. Sections of the lungs were obtained and processed for histological studies using Hematoxylin and Eosin stain, Periodic acid Schiff’s solution, Phosphotungstic acid Haematoxylin stain and Methanamine Silver stains. Results from the study suggested that acute and chronic exposure to emzolyn codeine cough syrup produced significant (P<0.05) decrease in body weight, edematous aveolar space with marked type 11 pneumocyte, marked hypertrophy (H) of the septa and marked inflammatory cells. The levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) was also determined using standard spectrophotometric techniques. The mean MDA of the exposed groups were significantly higher while the mean levels of SOD, GPx, CAT, and GSH were significantly lower than the control group. In conclusion, this study confirmed the risk of increased oxidative stress, pulmonary toxicity and decreased body weight due to emzolyn codeine cough syrup administration. Thus, indiscriminately and prolong use emzolyn codeine drug should be avoided and antioxidant supplements are advised as a prophylactic supportive therapy for adequate measures in preventing development of oxidative stress-associated complications among exposed individuals.
Highlights
History of drug use for therapeutic purpose is as old as medical practice itself
This study observed that that emzolyn codeine cough syrup administration may cause decreased body weight, pulmonary toxicity and oxidative stress and as such, its use should be limited to prescription only
This finding suggests increase in oxidative stress, resulting in increased lipid peroxidation and this is corroborated by Pasupathi et al [17] report
Summary
History of drug use for therapeutic purpose is as old as medical practice itself. Drugs used for therapeutic purposes in some cases become toxic to the patient. The reason is attributed to the fact that drug is a substance that brings about change in biological function through its chemical actions [1]. Cough is an important protective reflex, contributing significantly to the innate immunity of the respiratory system by enhancing mucociliary clearance. Cough is one of the most frequently managed problems in primary care. The most common causes of acute cough are viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and acute bronchitis
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