Effect of caffeine on some hematological, biochemical parameters, liver and kidney histology in Wistar rats
Caffeine is likely the most pharmacologically active substance that is frequently consumed in the world. It is commonly found in beverages (like coffee and tea) and products that contains cocoa or chocolate and most widely used in medications. Consumption of caffeine has been reported to cause varying multi systemic effects. This study investigates the effect of caffeine on some liver enzymes and kidney function biomarkers, hematological parameters and histology of liver and kidneys. A total of 24 male Wistar rats aged 6-8 weeks weighing between 120-150 grams were obtained and randomized into 3 groups of 8 animals each, (n=8). Animals in group 1 served as controls and were fed with animal feed and water ad libitum, group 2 and group 3 received caffeine orally alongside their feed and water in 32.2 mg/kg and 64.4 mg/kg respectively for a period of 28 days. Five (5) ml of blood was collected after anesthetizing and sacrificing the animal. Biochemical parameters were assessed using spectrophotometry and hematological parameters were assessed using automated auto analyzer. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis, values were presented as Mean ±SEM and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), p<0.05 was considered significant. This study observed significant increase in potassium as an indicator of kidney function impairment. There was also an increase in AST, Alkaline phosphatase, Total and Direct bilirubin levels in group 2 animals when compared to group 1 and control group indicating liver derangement in group 2 animals. However, there was no significant change observed in the hematological parameters. The study also observed numerous inflammatory cells in the in the liver histology. Kidney histology showed, vacuolations in the kidney cells with enlargement of bowman’s capsule. The collective findings of this study showed that caffeine consumption increases the risks of liver and kidney injuries but has no significant effect on hematological parameters.
Keywords: Caffeine, Histology, Kidney parameters, Liver parameters
*Correspondence: nafisaywali@yahoo.com, 08037005079
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