Ameliorative effect of Quercetin and Omega-3 Fatty Acids on haematological and liver function impairment induced by mosquito coil smoke in male Wistar rats

Abstract

The use of mosquito coils is one method adopted to control malaria Inhalation of the coil smoke causes adverse effects, including hepatic and haematological toxicities associated with oxidative stress. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of phytochemical antioxidants (Quercetin and Omega-3) on mosquito coil smoke-induced haematological and hepatic impairments. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups viz control, mosquito coil-only (MC), mosquito coil+Quercetin (MC+Q) and mosquito coil+Omega-3 (MC+OM3) groups of five rats each. Quercetin and Omega-3 were administered daily at 20mg/kg and 600mg/kg respectively. The duration of daily exposure and treatment was 42 days after which blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture for determination of relevant haematological and hepatic parameters. The RBC count was significantly reduced in the MC group compared with the control (P<0.05) but was higher in the MC+Quercetin group than in the MC group. Haemoglobin was decreased in the MC and MC+Omega-3 groups compared with the control (P<0.05). White blood cell count was higher in the MC group than in the control group (P<0.05) but lower in the MC+OM3 and MC+Q groups than in the MC group (P<0.05). The lymphocyte count was higher in the MC group than in the control group (P<0.05). Serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were significantly increased (P<0.05) in the MC group compared with the control group but were reduced (P<0.05) in the MC+OM3 and MC+Q groups compared with the MC group. Serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the MC group than in control (P<0.05) but significantly lower (P<0.05) in the MC+OM3 group than in the MC group. Serum total bilirubin was significantly elevated in the MC group compared to that in the control group (P<0.05). The serum concentration of direct bilirubin was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the MC group than in the control group. We conclude that Omega-3 and Quercetin ameliorate haematological and hepatic function impairments in Wistar rats exposed to mosquito coil smoke.