Department of Biological Sciences

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Browsing Department of Biological Sciences by Author "Catherine Bosede ADENIJI"

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    Toxicological Assessment of Levonorgestrel (Postinor 2) Intake in Selected Reproductive and Vital Organs in Animal Model
    (Lead City University, 2023-12) Catherine Bosede ADENIJI
    Increased sexual activities among adolescents have resulted in the indiscriminate use of contraceptives. This study assessed the toxicological effects of levonorgestrel (LNG) intake on reproductive and vital organs in a rat model. Sixty Wistar rats weighing between 110 and 120 g were randomized into three groups (n = 20). Groups A and B were administered 1.83 mg/kg BW of LNG once and twice a week respectively, and group C served as the control. Five animals from each group were sacrificed at 30, 60, and 90 days, while the last batch was left for 30 days for post-treatment recovery. The effect of LNG on the estrous cycle was assessed through physical and cytological evaluations. The uterus, ovary, liver, and kidney were investigated for possible anomalies through histopathological examination and biochemical analyses. Hormonal changes were assessed by measuring the serum levels of progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) using the ELISA technique. Effects of LNG on fertilization, implantation, and tissue inflammation were assessed by measuring progesterone-associated endometrial protein (PAEP), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), prolactin (PRL), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB), and Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α) using ELISA. Hepatotoxicity was determined by measuring aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) using standard spectrophotometric methods. Similarly, nephrotoxicity was determined via cystatin C, urea, creatinine, BUN, and the BUN- creatinine ratio levels. Oxidative damage was assessed by determining the tissue activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), including the concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), using standard procedures. LNG prolonged the metestrus phase of the estrous cycle. Hyperplastic degeneration, disseminated congestion, and extensive tubular necrosis were found in the uterus, liver, and kidney of the treated groups. P4 was normal, LH, FSH, TNF-α, and NF-kB were markedly elevated with LNG treatment, while E2, PAEP, LIF, PRL, and SHBG were decreased. Serum AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, Cystatin C, creatinine, and urea were significantly elevated. GSH level and CAT, GPx, and SOD activities were significantly lowered, whereas MDA level was increased. LNG treatment caused time- and dose-dependent hormonal modulation and organ toxicity. The uterus and liver were particularly affected, and animals exposed to LNG twice a week apparently suffered more assaults. The ability of the animals to recover following drug withdrawal was more evident in the once-weekly treated group, particularly with respect to hormonal, liver, and kidney aberrations. Keywords: Levonorgestrel, estrus cycle, uterus, ovary, hormonal imbalance Word Count: 402