ABSTRACT

The research aimed at evaluating the biochemical role of vitamin C and E in ciprofloxacin and gentamicin co-administration. Twenty five female wistar rats weighing (85-140) g were used for the study. Rats were divided into five groups (N=5). The animals received the following treatments: Group 1 received only normal feed and water. Group 2-5 rats were co-administered ciprofloxacin (7.14 mg/kg b.w) and gentamicin (1.14 mg/kg b.w). Group 2 served as the positive control while groups 3-4 received vitamin C (100 mg/kg) and Vitamin E (14.29 IU/kg) respectively. Group 5 received 100 mg/kg vitamin C and 14.29 IU/kg vitamin E. All administration lasted for 11 days. Blood and organ samples were collected on the 12^th day and analyzed using standard analytical procedures. The result showed that the co-administration of ciprofloxacin and gentamicin caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction in hemoglobin (Hb) level, packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC) count of group 2 rats compared with the normal control. Total white blood cell (TWBC) count was significantly (p<0.05) increased whereas no significant effect was observed on platelet count of group 2 rats when compared with the normal control. Serum urea, creatinine and total bilirubin were significantly (p<0.05) increased in group 2 rats when compared with the normal control. Equally, alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) showed no significant (p>0.05) change while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, serum total protein, albumin and cholesterol significantly (p<0.05) reduced in group 2 rats when compared with the normal control. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities significantly (p<0.05) reduced whereas glutathione (GSH) concentration, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, C-Reactive protein concentration and creatine kinase (C.K) activity were significantly (p<0.05) increased in group 2 rats when compared with the normal control. Histological examination of vital organs showed diverse lesions in the brain, kidney and heart of group 2 rats whereas no effect was observed on the liver. All vitamin treatments (vitamin C, E and C+E) significantly (p<0.05) increased the Hb level whereas TWBC counts, serum MDA concentration, CRP concentration and C.K activity was significantly (p<0.05) reduced by same treatment when compared with group 2 rats. Additionally, RBC counts and %PCV were significantly increased by only vitamin E and C+E treatments when compared with group 2. Serum urea and creatinine concentration were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in all the vitamin treated groups. Additionally, in all the vitamin treated groups, serum total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, SOD and catalase activity were significantly (p<0.05) increased whereas GSH significantly reduced when compared with group 2 rats. A significant (p<0.05) reduction in total bilirubin was observed only in the vitamin C and E co-administered groups. The observed renal and heart lesions were attenuated in the vitamin treated groups whereas only the administration of vitamin C and C+E respectively restored the histo-architecture of the brain. In conclusion, co-administration of ciprofloxacin and gentamicin caused some adverse effects. These adverse effects were ameliorated by treatment with antioxidants (vitamin C and E).