Histological Changes, Superoxide Dismutase Activity And Zinc Concentration In The Testis Of Normal And Monosodium Glutamate-Intoxicated Rats Co-Treated With Artemetherlumefantrine:- Nzeh, Cihamaka P

ABSTRACT ix In malaria endemic regions of the world like Nigeria, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACT) is recommended by world health organization (WHO) for the treatment of uncomplicated plasmodiumfalciparum malaria diseases. ACTs like artemether-lumefantrine combination is often regarded as an over-the-counter drug. Self-medication and misuse of this drug leads to overdose. This durg proves highly effective when taken with food. Food is better enjoyed for its taste and monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the world most used food addictive (flavour). MSG at 8 mg/kg have been proven to cause toxicity by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Studies abound that suggests MSG as causes for many diseases relating oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine histological changes, superoxide dismutase activity and zinc concentration in the testis of normal and monosodium glutamate-intoxicated rats co-treated with artemether-lumefantrine using standard protocols involving six groups (n=5) viz: group i (control), group ii (ACT 14.29 mg/kg of body weight (b.w)), group iii (ACT 71.43 mg/kg b.w), group iv (MSG 8 mg/kg b.w), group v (ACT 14.29 mg/kg b.w + MSG 8 g/kg b.w) and group vi (ACT 71.43 mg/kg + MSG 8g/kg b.w) these doses were given daily via gavage for 7 days. Results from analysis of data showed significant (P < 0.05) decrease in concentrations in Zinc concentration of the group treated with MSG alone when compared to the control group. However, in the co-treated groups, this Zinc concentration values significantly (P < 0.05) increased. SOD activity had a slight decrease in groups ii and iii when compared with other groups. Histological examination ofthe testis revealed that co-treatment ofACT with MSG causes degeneration ofspermatids.