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ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the rapid development and use of therapeutic drugs to combat the disease. However, concerns exist regarding the potential adverse effects of these drugs on metabolic processes like glucose homeostasis and weight regulation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, azithromycin, lopinavir & ritonavir, zinc & selenium, which are recommended COVID-19 drugs, on glucose metabolism and body weight in an albino rat model. About sixty (60) Albino rats were randomly assigned to 9 treatment test groups and a control group(a total of 10 groups). The drugs were administered orally at clinically relevant doses for one month. A blood glucose assay was performed to assess glucose metabolism using the oxidase-peroxidase method of analysis, body weight and body composition were monitored throughout the studyusing the Scout pro digital balance (OHAUS corporation, USA). Data obtained was analyzed by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The results showed that the group treated with hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin + lopinavir/ritonavir + ivermectin + zinc + selenium demonstrated a markedly elevated mean glucose level of 103.80 mg/dL (P = 0.001) compared to the control (83.83mg/dL), indicating a statistically significant impact on glucose metabolism. Treatments involving each drug exhibited noteworthy alterations in weight, with p-values ≤ 0.05. The combined regimen comprising chloroquine, ivermectin, lopinavir/ritonavir, azithromycin, and zinc demonstrated a substantial impact on body weight (p = 0.014). In conclusion, the hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin + lopinavir/ritonavir + ivermectin + zinc + selenium group showed markedly elevated glucose levels. Treatment with these drugs led to significant increases in body weight compared to baseline. It is recommended to avoid the concurrent use of this specific drug combination unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks of hyperglycemia and weight gain.
