PROTECTIVE ROLE OF FOLIC ACID ON HEPATIC MARKERS AND MORPHOLOGY COUNTER TO NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF FLUORIDE ON ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate the protective role of folic acid supplementation on hepatic markers counter to negative effects of fluoride in Albino wistar rats. Methodology: Quasi experimental study was conducted at the Isra University, Hyderabad from May-September 2019. Thirty healthy albino wistar rats with average weight of 150-250 gm. without any gross abnormality were selected by non-random purposive sampling. Unhealthy, female and pregnant rats were excluded. All rats were divided into three group i.e.Group-A (Control group),Group-B (Fluoride treated experimental group) and Group-C (Fluoride and folic acid treated experimental group).All animals were acclimatized for 1 week before start of 4 weeks experimental work. Liver function testsand serum bilirubins were tested using commercially available kits. Gross hepatic morphological details were recorded and changes in severity were observed using a graded scale. Data was analyzed by using SPSS ver. 22.0. Results: Significant difference in mean post experimental body weight was observed in all three groups. The relative liver weight was significantly raised in Group-B as compared with other experimental group (p<0.05). Statistically significant rise in hepatic serum markers was observed after fluoride administration in Group-B. Treatment with folic acid administration significantly reduced serum levels of hepatic markers (p<0.05). Fibrotic, Necrotic, hepatic inflammatory changes, sinusoidal dilatation and congestion is due to inflammatory changes present in intra-lobular area higher among group-B as compared to group-A. Conclusion: Folic acid supplement is highly effectivein preventing and reverting the hepatic serum markers levels and histological alterations caused by fluoride.