Modulation of enzyme activities following the coadministration of potassium bromate and chloroquine in selected tissues and serum of albino rats

Abstract

The effect of administration of potassium bromate, chloroquine (membrane labilizers) and their co-administration on some cellular enzymes was investigated. The levels of activity of these enzymes were measured in the liver, kidney and serum 24 hours after 21 days of daily oral administration of potassium bromate, chloroquine and the coadministration of potassium bromate and chloroquine. The experimental animals were divided into four groups randomly. Group 1 rats were administered with distilled water and served as control. Group 2 were rats administered with 25 mg/kg body weight of potassium bromate. Group 3 were rats administered with 25 mg/kg body weight chloroquine, while rats in group 4 were co-administered with 25 mg/kg body weight of potassium bromate and chloroquine. This study investigated the effects of repeated administration of two potent membrane disruptors either alone or in combination on liver and kidney cellular enzymes and serum enzymes. Rats administered with potassium bromate exhibited some physical observations which include rapid breathing, diarrhoea and difficulty in movement, while rats administered with chloroquine exhibited hyperactivities. Results of enzyme activity determination showed significant decreases (p<0.05) in activity of kidney and liver dehydrogenases (lactate and glutamate) as well as in the transaminases (ALT and ASP) when potassium bromate and chloroquine were separately administered. Similarly, alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in both tissues. Nonetheless, acid phosphatase (ACP) activity was not appreciably affected in both tissues. Corresponding significant increases (p<0.05) in activity of these enzymes in the serum was observed. However, unexpected high values of enzyme activities in both tissues when both potassium bromate and chloroquine were co-administered were observed. The elevated level of enzyme activities in serum confirmed further the properties of potassium bromate and chloroquine as membrane labilizers causing the cellular enzymes to leak into the blood. Furthermore the results obtained pointed to a probable synergy in the properties of the two compounds when they were administered concurrently, thereby creating a kind of modulatory effect on the enzymes, hence the observed increases in enzymes activity in the tissues studied. It could be inferred from the results therefore that the intrinsic properties of chemical substances could be modulated or modified intracellularly when in interaction with other compounds and even with the cell system.

Keywords: Food additives, Chloroquine, Potassium bromate, Co-administration, Enzyme activity, Modulation