Serum Trace Element Presentation in Female Wistar Rats administered with Paracetamol & Paracetamol/Methionine.

Abstract

A number of therapeutic agents are known to alter serum trace element levels with dangerous consequences. An earlier study had demonstrated significant alteration in the levels of some trace elements in male rats dosed with paracetamol/methionine. This study is designed to compare serum element presentation at the 4th hour (peak of absorption) with the 16th hour (peak of toxicity) so as to establish how early in the course of paracetamol exposure trace element alteration takes place. This is because essential trace elements take part not only in the process of cell division but in DNA repair system as well, DNA repair system prevents mutation. And because cell division is a continuous process and has been described to be characterized by at least one spontaneous mutation per a million cell divisions, then it becomes expedient to carry out a study of this nature. Eight female Wistar rats per group were used for the study. They were administered with different doses of paracetamol/methionine (5:1) ranging from 350-5000 mg/kg bw. Results indicate that trace element alterations commenced as early as the 4th hour, with these alterations lasting till the end of the 16th hour in both paracetamol & paracetamol/methionine groups at most levels of exposure. Although studies had indicated that addition of methionine to paracetamol may ensure tissue protection even at toxic doses, evidence from this study suggests that it may not prevent trace element alteration, a situation capable of rendering genes to be susceptible to mutation and provoking oxidative stress-induced diseases.

Key words: paracetamol; peak; absorption; toxicity; trace elements; Wistar rats