EFFECT OF VITAMIN D3 ON PULMONARY INFLAMMATORY MARKERS IN METHAMPHETAMINE-EXPOSED MALE WISTAR RATS

ABSTRACT Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant that induces significant pulmonary damage through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Vitamin D3, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating such damage. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Vitamin D3 on pulmonary inflammatory markers in methamphetamine-exposed male Wistar rats. In this experiment, twenty (20) male Wistar rats were randomized into four (4) groups (n = 5): Vehicle group, Methamphetamine (10 mg/kg), Vitamin D3 (1.5 mg/kg), and Methamphetamine (10 mg/kg) + Vitamin D3 (1.5 mg/kg). The study lasted 9 weeks, at the end of which the rats were euthanized using intraperitoneal administration of Ketamine (40 mg/kg body weight). Lung tissue was excised, weighed, homogenized, and centrifuged to separate the supernatant for biochemical assays.The biochemical assays focused on pulmonary inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and oxidative stress markers, including myeloperoxidase (MPO). Histopathological studies were performed on a portion of the lung tissue to evaluate structural changes. Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post hoc test, with the significance level set at P