Evaluation of the pathophysiological effects of bromazepam on some clinical chemistry parameters of the rat

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to evaluate the pathophysiological effects of using high doses (single and repeated) of bromazepam, a broad-spectrum sedative, on blood glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (TBA) and some clinical chemistry parameters of rat. Rats were orally supplemented with a single dose (4.5 mg/kg B.wt) or repeated doses (4.5 mg/kg B.wt for 7 consecutive days) of bromazepam. Another two sets of animals were orally administered with the same volume of the vehicle (distilled water) and considered as control groups. Blood samples were collected at different time points during the first 24 hours after the single dose treatment and for 10 days following the last treatment in case of repetitive dose administration to monitor the changes in the tested parameters. Blood GSH was significantly decreased after administration of the drug, while levels of serum TBA were significantly increased. Serum total protein values were elevated during the whole time course, but this was not significant. Meanwhile, creatinine, urea, uric acid and the activities of alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) were significantly increased as a result of treatment with either dose. We conclude that using high doses of bromazepam significantly alters both liver and kidney functions, and thatGSH might play an important role in the elimination of these side effects. Bromazepam increased lipid peroxidations in rat tissues by a mechanism dependent on glutathione levels during the 24 hr. post-treatment. A clear tendency for a positive correlation between bromazepam concentration and serum lipid peroxidation levels was recorded It is advisable that people who take high doses of this drug, should be aware of these effects, especially those suffering from liver and kidney problems.


KEY WORDS: Bromazepam, glutathione, lipid peroxidation, clinical chemistry, rat.


Egyptian Journal of Biology Vol.3(2) 2001: 72-80