Lipid profile and haematological parameters of post-partum rats exposed to natron (kanwa)

Abstract

Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a potentially life-threatening dilated cardiomyopathy of uncertain origin. The prevalence varies across the world with Nigeria being one of the countries mostly affected, particularly the northern part, possibly due to puerperal practices such as consumption of natron containing porridge.

Objective: This study was designed to examine the effect of natron (kanwa) on lipid profile and haematological parameters of post-partum rats exposed to natron.

Methods: A total of 30 post-partum rats were randomly divided into five groups (I-V) of 6 rats each. Group I served as control, Group II-V were treated with 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg of natron for a period of four (4) weeks respectively. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were anesthetized and blood samples were collected for lipid profile and hematological studies.

Results: The findings of the work revealed that treatment of rats with natron at 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg body weight caused significant decrease (p?0.05) in some lipid profile and some hematological parameters such as white blood cells count and percentage lymphocyte. There were no significant (p 0.05) alterations in both lipid and hematological parameters of rats treated with 50mg/kg of natron. Conversely, atherogenic index significantly increased (p<0.05)in group III IV and V in comparison to control.

Conclusion: The study suggests that consumption of natron may be link to the increased risk of artherosclerosis and affect the immune function in post-partum animals.

Keywords: Post-partum cardiomyopathy, Natron, Lipid Profile, Haematological parameters