Biochemical Evaluation of Fermented Wheat Germ Extract on Trypanosoma brucei-infected rats

Abstract

The biochemical effects of ethylacetate extract of wheat (Avemar) on some serum and liver enzymes were evaluated in T. brucei infected rats. The results show significant increase in specific activities of serum aspartate transaminase (AST) in infected untreated rats when compared with infected treated rats. However, there were no significant difference in serum and liver alanine transaminase (ALT). Liver Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were significantly increased in infected untreated when compared with the infected treated rats. Results also show significant increase in specific activities of serum catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in infected treated rats when compared with infected untreated rats. Whereas, there was no significant difference in specific activities of liver catalase, (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in infected treated rats when compared with infected untreated rats. We hereby conclude that ethylacetate extract of wheat has no toxic effect and can ameliorate the effect caused by T. brucei infection.

Keywords: Wheat germ, T. brucei, sleeping sickness, management