EVALUATION OF THE IMMUNO-OXIDATIVE RESPONSE AND HISTOMORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE LUNGS OF CADMIUM-EXPOSED RATS ADMINISTERED WITH VERNONIA AMYGDALINA AND AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA

Cadmium is ubiquitous in nature and it is concentrated in the food chain due to its highly soluble nature compared to other toxic heavy metals. Research on Vernonia amygdalina and Aframomum melegueta has shown that they possess anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. The project investigates the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potential of Vernonia amygdalina and Aframomum melegueta in cadmium-induced lung toxicity. Twenty-five (25) adult male Wistar rats weighing an average of 200g were randomly grouped into five (A-E). Group A was the unexposed negative control group, while Group B was the cadmium-exposed untreated group administered with distilled water only. Group C consisted of cadmium-exposed rats administered with leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina at a standard dose of 500mg/kg, while Group D was treated with Aframomum melegueta leaf extract at a dose of 500mg/kg. Group E consisted of cadmium-exposed rats co-administered with leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina + Aframomum melegueta at standard doses of 500mg/kg respectively. The treatment lasted for 28 days after which rats were euthanized and the lungs harvested for Histological and Biochemical analysis (Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione Peroxidase, Interleukin 6, and TNF alpha). The result obtained showed a significant difference in the biochemical parameters in the cadmium-exposed group when compared to the unexposed control rats (p< 0.05). Also, peri-bronchiolar infiltration of inflammatory cells and vascular congestion was evident across the test groups. In the treatment group, improved superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, interleukin 6, and TNF-α values, when compared with the control were observed, with the histomorphology of the lung showing reduced inflammation and little to no vascular congestion. Conclusively single, or combined administration of Vernonia amygdalina and Aframomum melegueta leaf extract significantly improved the biochemical parameters in cadmium-exposed rats and the histomorphological changes of the lungs as evidenced by reduced inflammation and the absence of tissue fibrosis in the treatment groups.