Effects of Crassocephalum bauchiense (Hutch) leaf aqueous extract on toxicity indicators and reproductive characteristics in Oryctolagus cuniculus exposed to potassium dichromate

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Crassocephalum (C.) bauchiense (Hutch) leaf aqueous extract on the biochemical markers of toxicity, oxidative stress indicators and reproductive parameters in rabbit does (Oryctolagus cuniculus) exposed to potassium dichromate. Methods: A total of 36 nulliparous and sexually mature female rabbit does, aged 8 months and weighing 2.8-3.0 kg, were divided into 6 groups of 6 animals. After mating, group T0 received distilled water (1 mL/kg body weight), while groups T0-, VC100, AE100, AE200 and AE400 were treated with 40 mg/mL/kg body weight of potassium dichromate. In addition, group VC100 received 100 mg/mL/kg body weight of vitamin C, while groups AE100, AE200 and AE400 received aqueous extract of C. bauchiense leaves at 100, 200 and 400 mg/mL/kg body weight, by oral gavage for 27 days, respectively. On the 28th day post-coïtum, animals were sacrificed. Biochemical indicators such as creatinine, urea, alanine amino tranferase, aspartate amino transferase, total protein and total cholesterol were measured by using a spectrophotometer. Follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and progesterone were measured by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay. Oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase and total peroxidase in ovary homogenates were measured by spectrophotometer. Results: Serum concentrations of urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total cholesterol were significantly higher (P0.05) among all groups; C. bauchiense leaf extracts significantly (P0.05). Catalase and total peroxidase activities significantly decreased (P<0.05), and malondialdehyde significantly increased in T0- group compared to other groups. The administration of C. bauchiense leaf extracts significantly (P<0.05) increased the activities of catalase and peroxidase. Received 27 January 2019 Revision 6 April 2019 Accepted 20 July 2019 Available online 7 November 2019 Crassocephalum bauchiense Foetotoxicity Potassium dichromate Rabbit doe Reproduction Conclusions: Potassium dichromate-induced oxidative stress involves in hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and reprotoxicity. The aqueous extract of C. bauchiense leaves could mitigate these adverse effects via antioxidant properties.

Keywords

• crassocephalum bauchiense
• foetotoxicity
• potassium dichromate
• rabbit doe
• reproduction