Activities of alkaline phosphatase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase in liver and serum of Trypanosoma brucei-infected rats treated with honey

Abstract

Alkaline phosphatase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase activities were assessed in rats highly infected with federe strain of Trypanosoma brucei and treated with honey. Therapeutic effect of honey on parasitaemia was also assessed. Results show an extension in the life span of infected but treated rats from 12 days for control to 19 days for infected honey-treated rats. Parasitaemia was also effectively lowered. Alkaline phosphatase activity was increased in the serum but not significantly different in the liver. Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase were also increased in the serum but there is decrease in glutamate pyruvate transaminase activity in the liver. There were no significant differences in glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase activity in the liver. Results suggest that, honey could be a potential agent in the management of African trypanosomosis. However, it leads to decrease in glutamate pyruvate transaminase activity in the liver suggesting liver damage. Increase in glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities in the serum also suggest possible damage to other organs where these maybe abundant.

Keywords: honey, alkaline phosphatase, transaminase, sleeping sickness

Biokemistri Vol. 17(2) 2005: 185-191