ASSESSMENT OF THE SERUM LIPID LEVELS AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF WISTAR RATS FED WITH A DIET ENRICHED WITH RED MEAT BOILED WITH POTASH

Abstract

This study was aimed at assessing the serum lipid level and the histopathological examination of the heart of wistar rat fed with enriched diet of red meat tenderized with potash. The diet were administered to twenty five (25) adult rats divided into five (5) groups. The Group one served as the control and the rats were fed with water and normal feed (grower’s mash), Group two served as the negative control (uncontaminated group) and the rats were fed with normal feed thoroughly mixed with meat boiled with just water, Group three, four and five were the test group and the rats were fed with normal grower's mash thoroughly mixed with 10%, 20%, 30% red meat boiled with potash respectively for a period of twenty-eight (28) days. The biochemical parameters analysed includes Cholesterol, Lactate dehydrogenase and Triglycerides. The results were statistically analyzed and a p- value lesser than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Group three, four and five of the analysed parameters were compared with the control, an increase in the activities was observed. Although each activity showed an increase when compared to the control, a decline in the activities was also observed when the potash concentrated was increased (there was a decrease in the activities down the groups from 10% to 30%). The histopathology results showed distortion (widening) of the interstitial space and disruption of the cytostructure of the heart. The result showed that consumption of meat boiled with potash is hazardous to the body as it may lead to cardiovascular diseases, stroke and organ damage.