Changes in Hepatic Glutathione and Malondialdehyde Levels in Honey Fed Wistar Rats

U. E. Uzuegbu¹*, C. Amadi², A. Osasuyi³, A. O. Opajobi¹ and O. M. Unuero¹

¹Department of Medical Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka Nigeria.

²Department of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching, Hospital, Lagos Nigeria.

³Department of Nursing Science, Delta State University, Abraka Nigeria.

Corresponding Author Email: no@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT: Researchers have shown that fructose consumption induces oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Whether honey, which contains high amount of fructose could also elicit such tendency is not clearly established. In this study, changes in biomarkers of oxidative stress (glutathione [GSH]) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]) induced in hepatic tissue of Wistar rats exposed to varying doses (20%, 30% and 40%) of honey and equivalent amounts of fructose were investigated. Results show that both honey and fructose administrations for 4 weeks significantly (P<0.05) increased hepatic GSH in a dose-dependent manner when compared with control. The hepatic MDA for the control, honey and fructose fed groups were not significantly (P>0.05) different. Honey or fructose challenges the liver to improve oxidative defense mechanisms and lower lipid peroxidation activity. These might be initial responses. Overall, long term effects need proper documentation.

KEYWORDS: Biomarkers; Hepatic Glutathione; Malondialdehyde Levels; Wistar rats

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