Analysis of Liver Function Biomarkers and Histopathology in Plasmodium Berghei-Infected Albino Mice Treated with Sodium Bicarbonate

Abstract

Malaria still remains an endemic disease especially in Sub-saharan Africa. The current study was aimed at evaluating liver function biomarkers and histology in albino mice following their infection with Plasmodium berghei and treated with Sodium Bicarbonate. Twenty mice were divided into five groups of four each. Groups 1; normal control, group 2; infected with P. berghei, untreated, groups 3, 4, 5; infected, treated 84mg/kg NaHCO3 once, twice and thrice respectively. Blood samples and liver were collected for analysis of liver function biomarkers and histopathology by standard procedures. AST was significantly (p<0.05) higher in group 5 (13.33±0.707) when compared to the control (11.33±0.707). ALP activity increased significantly (p<0.05) in group 5 (11.76±0.707) when compared to the control (10.29±0.707). Total protein increased significantly (p<0.05) in all the test groups; 2 (4.29±0.007), 3 (4.09±0.007), 4 (4.46±0.007) and 5 (4.65±0.007) when compared to the control (4.05±0.007). Albumin increased significantly (p<0.05) in all the test groups; 2 (3.58±0.007), 3 (3.76±0.007), 4 (3.61±0.007) and 5 (3.58±0.007) compared to the control (3.57±0.007). Total bilirubin concentration significantly (p<0.05) decreased in groups 3 (0.42±0.007), 4 (0.47±0.007) and 5 (0.48±0.007) compared to the control. Direct bilirubin concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in groups 4 (0.20±.007) and 5 (0.22±.007) compared to the control (0.15±.007). Photomicrograph images showed inflammation in group 2; infected, not treated. Sodium bicarbonate did not play ameliorative role against plasmodium berghei infected liver.