Calcium Carbide Induced Alteration of some biochemical parameters in the liver of Wistar rat

Thies changes in some biochemical parameters of maternal and foetal liver induced by consumption of calcium carbide ripened banana in Wistar rats. Unripe bananas were subdivided into four groups; with three artificially ripened using calcium carbide and one ripened via non artificial means. Experimental design consisted of two groups (before and during pregnancy; during pregnancy only). The rats were randomly assigned to a control group which received only food and water and a test group which were fed calcium carbide for a period of 3 weeks before pregnancy. Upon pregnancy, exposure to calcium carbide was continued until day 19. The animals from each group were then sacrificed and blood was collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Results obtained showed significant (p?0.05) increase in values of AST when groups were compared to positive control group during and before pregnancy. A decrease in ALT levels were observed in all the groups when compared with negative group with no significant difference. ABL, Tbil and Dbil levels showes no significant difference when compared to control group. Consumption of calcium carbide is toxic to the liver of female wistar rats and may be deleterious to human health following long- term exposure.

Key Words: Biochemical, liver enzyme, calcium carbide, banana, wistar rat