Effects of chronic administration of some bouillon cubes on oxidative stress and liver function markers in female albino rats
Authors: Blessing B. Oodee  , Ojoye N. Briggs  , Adline E. Ben-Chioma  , Edna O. Nwachuku  
Published: October 2023

Aim: This study evaluated the effects of chronic administration of some bouillon cubes on oxidative stress and liver function markers in female albino rats. Methodology: A total of thirty-five (35) female albino rats, weighing between 120 and 150 grams, were used for the study. The bouillon cubes, Star Maggi and Knorr were administered daily to the rats, using an oral gavage tube for 90days. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) level were determined using a rat-specific sandwich-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were estimated quantitatively using the Reitman and Frankel Method. Total protein (TP) was estimated quantitatively using the Biuret colorimetric method. Albumin (ALB) was estimated quantitatively following the Modified bromocresol green colorimetric method. Liver sections were stained using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining technique. Quantitative analysis of monosodium glutamate (MSG) content of the bouillon cubes was analyzed using ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy while the sodium content was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry according to the method of the American Public Health Association. Results: There were no significant differences (p>.05) in SOD and GPx levels in all the treatment groups, compared to the negative control. Group D (High Dose Maggi) had lower SOD and GPx levels than the negative control, though not significant. ALT level (5.01 ± 0.53 iu/L) in group E (High Dose Knorr) was significantly higher (p<.05) when compared to the negative control. There were no significant differences (p>.05) in AST levels in all groups, even though group E had the highest AST level. There were no significant differences (p>.05) in TP and ALB levels, except for group E (High Dose Knorr), which was significantly lower (p<.05), compared to the negative control. Liver sections of the negative control showed normal histoarchitecture. The treated groups showed histological changes in the architecture of the hepatocytes indicating moderate dilation of the central vein, moderate disruption of the hepatic lobules, and mild sinusoidal dilation, with associated inflammatory cell infiltration. Conclusion: Chronic administration of bouillon cubes did not have significant impact on the levels of the oxidative stress markers, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the rats. Chronic administration of Knorr cubes impacted the liver, with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, with a reduced total protein and albumin level. There were changes in the architecture of the hepatocytes of the treated rats, indicating moderate dilation of the central vein, moderate disruption of the hepatic lobules, and mild sinusoidal dilation. Bouillon cubes should be used in moderation, taking into account their potential effects on overall health and wellbeing when consumed for long periods.