Serum protein and enzyme levels in rats following administration of antioxidant vitamins during caffeinated and non-caffeinated paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity

Abstract

The effects of caffeinated and non-caffeinated paracetamol administration, with or without vitamins A and E supplementation on the protein and enzyme levels in Wistar albino rats were investigated using caffeinated paracetamol and paracetamol as caffeinated and non-caffeinated paracetamol respectively, and water soluble acetic acid derivatives of vitamins A and E. Serum AST, ALT and ALP levels (u/l) significantly increased [P < 0.05] following paracetamol administration. Caffeination as well as administration of vitamins A and E caused significant decreases[P < 0.05] in AST and ALP levels in all test groups when co-administered with paracetamol and in ALT level except in the caffeinated paracetamol + Vitamin E group in which ALT and ALP level except in the caffeinated paracetamol + vitamin E group in which ALT and ALP levels significantly increased [P < 0.05]. Total serum protein level (g/100ml) significantly increased following caffeination as well as during co-administration of caffeinated paracetamol and Vitamin E; and significantly decreased during co-administration of paracetamol and vitamin A. Paracetamol administration without caffeination or supplementation with vitamin A and E can therefore cause increases in serum liver enzymes that is suggestive of liver necrosis which can be ameliorated to varying degrees by caffeine, vitamin A and E.