Authors : H.U. Nwanjo , N.J.C. Okolie , G. Oze , M.C. Okafor , D. Nwosu , C. Ajero , B. Anyaehie , G.C. Uloneme , C.J. Njoku and P. Nwamkpa
Abstract: Halofantrine is a phenanthrene methanol, belonging to the aryl-amino alcohol family, which is widely prescribed for the treatment of infections with chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparium. This study examined biochemical evaluation of hepatic dysfunction as a result of halofantrine toxicity in Wistar rats. Various concentrations of halofantrine (30, 60 and 90 mg kg 1 were administered to the three groups of Wistar rats. The fourth group of animals received distilled water (control). The body weight changes and the relative weight of the liver were measured. The serum hepatospecific markers such as Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activities and serum total bilirubin level were also estimated. The halofantrine treated groups had a significant increase in the relative weight of their livers (p< 0.05) when compared with control. There was also significant increase in all the enzymes and total bilirubin (p< 0.05) when compared with control. The results indicated that halofantrine might have hepatotoxic effect in Wistar rats.
H.U. Nwanjo , N.J.C. Okolie , G. Oze , M.C. Okafor , D. Nwosu , C. Ajero , B. Anyaehie , G.C. Uloneme , C.J. Njoku and P. Nwamkpa , 2007. Halofantrine (Anti-Malaria) Toxicity in Wister Rats: Biochemical Evaluation of Hepatic Dysfunction. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 1: 102-105.