Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activities of Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamin B12 on Isoniazid and Rifampicin-induced Liver Damage in Mice

Aim: This study aimed at evaluating the antioxidant activities of Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamin B12 on liver toxicity induced by Isoniazid-Rifampicin (INH-RIF).

Study Design: Original Research.

Place and Duration of Study: National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Idu, Abuja, Nigeria. Between August-September 2023.

Methods: 25 Swiss mice (25-35g) were divided into 5 groups, GP1 received distill water, GP 2-5 INH-RIF 150 mg/kg for the first two days; while groups 3 received Selenium 1 mg/kg, group 4 received VitaminB12 0.01 mg/kg, group 5 received Zinc 15 mg/kg respectively from day 3 till day 14 orally. Sera samples were obtained, and the organ (liver) was for weighing and histopathology on day 15.

Results: This study indicated that Selenium (1 mg/kg) showed reduction in the biochemical parameter ALT only; histo-anatomy of organ showed inflammation. Vitamin B12 indicated reduction in ALT and ALP and no lesion seen in the organ, Zinc showed significant decrease in the level of ALP and ALT, and the histo-picture showed no lesion compared to INH-RIF group. Weights of the liver showed significant reduction in Selenium and Vitamin B12 respectively compared to the toxic group.

Conclusion: It was concluded that Selenium 1 mg/kg, Vitamin B12 and Zinc can mitigate toxic effects of Isoniazid-Rifampicin on the liver but Zinc indicated more ameliorative potentials. It was recommended that Zinc and /or Vitamin B12 can be co-administered with these anti-tuberculars to mitigated the toxicity that may emanate from their administration.