IMPACT OF CHRONIC ADMINISTRATION OF ARTESUNATE AND AMODIAQUINE ON THE CEREBRAL CORTEX OF ADULT MALE WISTAR RATS

Abstract

The safety of antimalarial medications like artesunate and amodiaquine in treating malaria has been questioned due to their notable neurotoxic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of artesunate and amodiaquine on oxidative stress biomarkers and histomorphological changes in the cerebral cortex of adult male Wistar rats. Thirty (n= 30) male Wistar rats were classified into three groups (n=10): control, artesunate-treated (AT), and amodiaquine-treated (AQ). The treatment groups received daily doses of artesunate (15 mg/kg) and amodiaquine (15 mg/kg) orally for 21 days, while the control group received distilled water only. Neurobehavioral assessments (grooming, rearing, and locomotion) were conducted at the first and third weeks of treatments. After the treatment period, the cerebral cortex was isolated, and histological examinations as well as biochemical analysis were conducted. The study found no significant impact of artesunate or amodiaquine on the body weights of male Wistar rats post-treatment, despite variable effects across experimental groups. Essentially the results revealed no significant biochemical changes in oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, SOD, and Catalase), suggesting minimal systemic toxicity. However, histological examination of the cerebral cortex showed a mixed picture, with both normal and abnormal findings, indicating potential nerotoxicity. Despite lacking significant biochemical alterations, these findings suggest subtle adverse effects on the cerebral cortex, warranting further investigation to elucidate mechanisms and clinical relevance.