Toxicological Effects of Sudan III Azo Dye in Palm Oil on Liver Enzyme and Non Enzyme Markers of Albino Rat

The economic and nutritional value of palm oil has made its utilization to be on the increase especially in Nigeria, thereby making it expensive, hence the temptation to adulterate it by bulk buyers with the wrong assertion of retaining the quality. This study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the effect of adulterated palm oil on the activity of liver enzymes and non-liver enzymes markers of albino rats. Twenty rats divided into five groups of four rats each were used for this investigation for fourteen (14) days. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Biochemical indices of liver enzymes makers and non-liver markers were determined. Liver enzymes ALP and ALT concentrations showed significant increase (p<0.05) when compared with group 1 and 2, also non-liver markers albumin, conjugated and total bilirubin showed significant increase (p<0.05) when compared to group 1 and 2. Histopathological examination showed mild inflammation of the liver for group 3, while histological features for groups (4 & 5) administered with higher dosage showed intense periportal and intraparenchymal inflammations. A compromise in liver function in rats administered with adulterated palm oil was observed.