Evaluation of the Morphological Changes and Histopathological Lesions on the Liver and Kidney Tissues following Codeine Toxicity
Chiagozie Chinyere King-Bertram
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
Esther Ifeyinwa Etu
Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Science, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Ndubuisi Nonso Richards
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Physical Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
Nyejirime Young Wike
*
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-eno, Enugu, Nigeria.
Achi Franklyn Ugochukwu
Department of Morbid Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria.
Chukwu, Chigozie David
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science, David Umahi Federal University of Medical Science, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
There have been global public health and medicines regulatory concerns regarding the intentional and unintentional misuse of codeine. This study was designed to assess the morphological changes and histopathological lesions in renal and hepatic tissues associated with codeine use. Twenty-five albino rats weighing 230-250 g were allocated into five groups. Groups A, B and C received 10 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg of codeine, respectively. Group D received 20 mg/kg of codeine plus 500 mg/kg of paracetamol, while Group E served as the control. The behavioural patterns of the animals before and during drug administration were monitored. On day 30, the animals were anaesthetised, and the liver and kidneys were excised for histopathological examination. Notable changes in the animals' behaviour and feeding patterns were observed during drug administration. Significant histological alterations in the liver and renal tissues of treated animals were also observed. Groups A-D showed varying degrees of pericentral necrosis, inflammation, vacuolated hepatocytes and central vein engorgement. Group E showed normal hepatocytes with mild inflammatory infiltration around the portal triad. Kidney micrographs from Groups A-C showed normal glomeruli with sloughed epithelial cells, while Group D showed constricted glomeruli; some Bowman's capsules were devoid of glomerular tufts, and some tubules were eroded. Group E presented normal glomeruli and tubules. Prolonged administration of codeine may alter behavioural patterns and induce histopathological changes in hepatic and renal tissues.
Keywords: Codeine toxicity, histopathology, liver, kidney, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, paracetamol, albino rats, biochemical markers, drug misuse