Abstract

THE EFFECT OF VITAMIN D COMPLEX ON THE LIVER OF METHAMPHETAMINE INTOXICATED ADULT WISTAR RAT

Okafor Emeka Christian, *Ezeokafor Emmanuel Nonso, Nnaemeka Wuraola Serah, Udechukwu Deborah N., Umezulike Anulika Jacinta and *Obi Mmesoma Juliet

ABSTRACT

Methamphetamine (METH) is a potent psychostimulant widely abused for its euphoric effects, but it is also associated with severe neurotoxicity and systemic organ damage, particularly hepatotoxicity. METH induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular dysfunction in the liver, leading to elevated levels of liver enzymes and structural damage to hepatocytes. This study evaluated the protective effects of Vitamin D complex on METH-induced liver toxicity in adult Wistar rats. Twenty-eight rats were divided into groups receiving varying doses of METH and Vitamin D, with assessments made on liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST, ALP), body and liver weights, and histopathological changes. Results showed that METH administration caused significant increases in liver enzyme levels and notable liver damage, including inflammatory infiltration and cytoplasmic degeneration. However, co-administration of Vitamin D significantly ameliorated these effects, restoring liver enzyme levels closer tonormal and improving liver architecture. The findings suggest that Vitamin D complex mitigates METH-induced hepatotoxicity, likely through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory actions, and may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for managing METH-related liver damage.

Keywords: Methamphetamine, Vitamin D, Hepatotoxicity, Liver enzymes, Oxidative stress, Wistar rat, Antioxidant therapy.